bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5‐(Pyrrolidin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐tetrazole and 5‐[(Pyrrolidin‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐tetrazole: Proline Surrogates with Increased Potential in Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Limbach Michael
Published: February 2006

Catalytic enantioselective methodology has dramatically been enriched by the re‐discovery of the simple amino acid proline as a chiral catalyst in the year 2000. Although no catalyst offers such a simple and broad access to quite complex reaction products, as does proline, its synthetic potential is not unrestricted, what is especially connected to its poor solubility in organic media. Exchange of the carboxylic moiety by a tetrazole unit leads to proline surrogates, that by far outperform proline with respect to yield, enantioselectivity, reaction time, substrate and solvent scope, catalyst loading, and stoichiometry of the compounds used in excess. These factors are discussed and critically compared with selected representative proline‐catalyzed reactions.
A Novel Type of Membrane Based on Cholesteryl Phosphocholine, Cholesteryl Phosphate, or Sitosteryl Phosphate, and Dimyristoylglycerol
Authors: Gotoh Mari , Ribeiro Nigel , Michels Bernard , Elhabiri Mourad , Albrecht‐Gary Anne‐Marie , Yamashita Jun , Hato Masakatsu , Ourisson Guy , Nakatani Yoichi
Published: February 2006

Mixtures of amphiphilic cholesteryl phosphate (CP), sitosteryl phosphate (SP), or cholesteryl phosphocholine (CPC) with the nonphosphoryl diacyl lipid dimyristoylglycerol (DMG) or with cholesterol give self‐organized systems (giant vesicles) in a wide range of pH, as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The water permeability of a 1 : 1 molar mixture of CPC and DMG was also measured by a stopped‐flow/light‐scattering method. The novel self‐organized systems are akin to natural eukaryotic ones, the only difference being the site of the phosphate‐containing head‐group, located on cholesterol instead of DMG. They might be present in some organisms not yet studied for the composition of their membranes.
Distal embolic protection during femoropopliteal atherectomy
Authors: Suri Rajeev , Wholey Michael H. , Postoak Darren , Hagino Ryan T. , Toursarkissian Boulos
Published: February 2006

We report on a series of 10 consecutive cases of superficial femoral and popliteal artery atherectomy with the SilverHawk device, carried out for the treatment of peripheral vascular atherosclerosis. All cases were done with the use of a distal embolic protection device. Debris were retrieved in the filter in each case. Implications are discussed, along with a review of the available literature on this device. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Guidewire navigation in coronary artery stenoses using a novel magnetic navigation system: First clinical experience
Authors: Tsuchida Keiichi , García‐García Héctor M. , van der Giessen Willem J. , McFadden Eugène P. , van der Ent Martin , Sianos Georgios , Meulenbrug Hans , Ong Andrew T.L. , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of guidewire navigation across coronary artery stenoses using magnetic navigation system (MNS) versus conventional navigation. The MNS is a novel option to facilitate access to target lesions, particularly in tortuous vessels. In an experimental study using a challenging vessel phantom, magnetic‐navigated guidewire passage has been reported to reduce fluoroscopy and procedure time significantly. Both magnetic and manual guidewire navigation were attempted in 21 consecutive diseased coronary arteries. The study endpoint was defined as an intraluminal wire position distal to the stenosis. Procedural success was defined as successful guidewire passage without procedural events. Procedure time, amount of contrast, fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose/area product (DAP) were evaluated. There were no procedural events related to either guidewire. Although the lesions attempted had relatively simple and straightforward characteristics, significantly shorter procedure and fluoroscopy time were observed for manual guidewire navigation compared to MNS (median, 40 vs. 120 sec, P = 0.001; 38 vs. 105 sec, P = 0.001, respectively). Contrast amount and DAP were higher in MNS than in conventional method (median, 13 vs. 9 ml, P = 0.018; 215 vs. 73 Gym2, P = 0.002, respectively). The magnetic wire did not cross in two vessels. Guidewire navigation using MNS presented a novel, safe, and feasible approach to address coronary artery lesions. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefit of the MNS in more complex coronary lesions and tortuous anatomy. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modified crush technique with double kissing balloon inflation (sleeve technique): A novel technique for coronary bifurcation lesions
Authors: Jim Man‐Hong , Ho Hee‐Hwa , Miu Raymond , Chow Wing‐Hing
Published: February 2006

We report a modified crush technique with double kissing balloon inflation (the sleeve technique) in an attempt to increase the success rate of final kissing balloon inflation, which has been shown to improve the angiographic outcomes of side branch in bifurcation lesions. A stent was advanced across the side branch with protrusion of 3–5 mm of proximal stent segment into the main vessel. At the same time, a size‐matched balloon with length long enough to cover the bifurcation as well as the protruding stent segment was placed in the main vessel. The side‐branch stent is deployed first, the wire and stent balloon are removed. This is followed by balloon inflation in main vessel at high pressure to crush the protruding stent segment against vessel wall. The side branch is then rewired, two balloons are advanced to the main vessel and side branch, and the bifurcation is kissed with balloons the first time. The side branch is now like a new sleeve. The balloon and wire of the side branch are removed. Another stent was positioned and then deployed in the main vessel. The side branch is rewired the second time, two balloons are advanced to the main vessel and side branch again, followed by final (second) kissing balloon inflation of the bifurcation. The sleeve technique has been employed in six consecutive patients with 100% success rate of final kissing balloon inflation. There was no major adverse cardiac events or stent thrombosis encountered within 30 days of percutaneous coronary intervention. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous transmitral commissurotomy in juvenile mitral stenosis—comparison of long term results of Inoue balloon technique and metallic commissurotomy
Authors: Harikrishnan S. , Nair Krishnakumar , Tharakan J.M. , Titus T. , Kumar V.K. Ajith , Sivasankaran S.
Published: February 2006

Objectives:

To compare the immediate and long term results of percutaneous mitral valvotomy using metallic commissurotome and Inoue balloon in juvenile mitral stenosis.

Background:

Inoue balloon technique for mitral commissurotomy (IBMC) is well established and carried out worldwide in the treatment of juvenile mitral stenosis. Percutaneous mitral metallic commissurotomy (PMMC) is reported to be a cheaper and effective alternative to balloon mitral commissurotomy.

Methods:

Thirty‐three patients aged less than 20 years, who underwent PMMC, were compared with 33 age and sex matched control patients who underwent IBMC. Success of valvotomy, procedure related complications, and follow‐up events of the two techniques were compared.

Results:

Basal echocardiographic and hemodynamic data were similar in both groups. Procedural success was similar in both groups, 31/33. Complications like cardiac tamponade and mitral regurgitation (requiring or not requiring mitral valve replacement) were similar in both groups. On follow‐up of more than 3 years, both groups had comparable hemodynamic parameters and restenosis rates.

Conclusions:

Both IBMC and PMMC are successful in providing relief from severe juvenile mitral stenosis in terms of gain in valve area and reduction in transmitral gradient. Both techniques have similar procedural success and complication rates. The long term follow‐up results are comparable at follow‐up of more than 3 years. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compensatory alteration of inhibitory synaptic circuits in cerebellum and thalamus of γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor α1 subunit knockout mice
Authors: Kralic Jason E. , Sidler Corinne , Parpan Franziska , Homanics Gregg E. , Morrow A. Leslie , Fritschy Jean‐Marc
Published: February 2006

Targeted deletion of the α1 subunit gene results in a profound loss of γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors in adult mouse brain but has only moderate behavioral consequences. Mutant mice exhibit several adaptations in GABAAreceptor subunit expression, as measured by Western blotting. By using immunohistochemistry, we investigated here whether these adaptations serve to replace the missing α1 subunit or represent compensatory changes in neurons that normally express these subunits. We focused on cerebellum and thalamus and distinguished postsynaptic GABAAreceptor clusters by their colocalization with gephyrin. In the molecular layer of the cerebellum, α1 subunit clusters colocalized with gephyrin disappeared from Purkinje cell dendrites of mutant mice, whereas α3 subunit/gephyrin clusters, presumably located on dendrites of Golgi interneurons, increased sevenfold, suggesting profound network reorganization in the absence of the α1 subunit. In thalamus, a prominent increase in α3 and α4 subunit immunoreactivity was evident, but without change in regional distribution. In the ventrobasal complex, which contains primarily postsynaptic α1‐ and extrasynaptic α4‐GABAAreceptors, the loss of α1 subunit was accompanied by disruption of γ2 subunit and gephyrin clustering, in spite of the increased α4 subunit expression. However, in the reticular nucleus, which lacks α1‐GABAAreceptors in wild‐type mice, postsynaptic α3/γ2/gephyrin clusters were unaffected. These results demonstrate that adaptive responses in the brain of α10/0mice involve reorganization of GABAergic circuits and not merely replacement of the missing α1 subunit by another receptor subtype. In addition, clustering of gephyrin at synaptic sites in cerebellum and thalamus appears to be dependent on expression of a GABAAreceptor subtype localized postsynaptically. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:408–421, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronal organ of ascidians and the evolutionary significance of secondary sensory cells in chordates
Authors: Manni Lucia , Mackie George O. , Caicci Federico , Zaniolo Giovanna , Burighel Paolo
Published: February 2006

A new mechanoreceptor organ, the coronal organ, in the oral siphon of some ascidians belonging to the order Pleurogona has recently been described. In contrast to the known mechanoreceptor organs of ascidian atrium that consist of sensory neurons sending their own axons to the cerebral ganglion, coronal sensory cells are secondary mechanoreceptors, i.e., axonless cells forming afferent and efferent synapses with neurites of neurons located in the ganglion. Moreover, coronal cells exhibit an apical apparatus composed of a cilium accompanied or flanked by rod‐like microvilli (stereovilli). Because of the resemblance of these cells to vertebrate hair cells, their ectodermal origin and location in a linear array bordering the bases of the oral tentacles and velum, the coronal organ has been proposed as a homologue to the vertebrate acousticolateralis system. Here we describe the morphology of the coronal organs of six ascidians belonging to the suborders Phlebobranchia and Aplousobranchia (order Enterogona). The sensory cells are ciliated, lack typical stereovilli, and at their bases form synapses with neurites. In two species, the sensory cells are accompanied by large cells involved in synthesis and secretion of protein. We hypothesize that the coronal organ with its secondary sensory cells represents a plesiomorphic feature of ascidians. We compare the coronal organ with other chordate sensory organs formed of secondary sensory cells, i.e., the ventral lip receptors of appendicularians, the oral secondary sensory cells of cephalochordates, and the acousticolateralis system of vertebrates, and we discuss their homologies at different levels of organization. J. Comp. Neurol. 495:363–373, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanistic insights into the direct antioxidant effects of estrogens
Authors: Prokai Laszlo , Prokai‐Tatrai Katalin , Perjési Pál , Simpkins James W.
Published: February 2006

Free‐radical scavenging by estrogens has been implicated as one of their non‐genomic (estrogen‐receptor independent) mechanisms of cytoprotection. This activity is associated with the presence of the phenolic A‐ring in the structure of these molecules, thus rendering them members of the class of compounds called phenolic antioxidants. Direct oxyradical‐scavenging by estrogens has been thought to cause interruption of free‐radical chain reactions such as lipid peroxidation, and to prevent free‐radical induced oxidative damage to biological macromolecules such as DNA and proteins. These antioxidant effects are determined not only by chemical reactivities toward reactive oxygen or reactive nitrogen species, but also by the mobility and/or distribution of estrogens in the biological microenvironment and by the fate of the estrogen‐derived radicals. Recent results have highlighted the importance of investigations aimed at understanding mechanistic details of the underlying chemistry, especially with a focus on estrogen neuroprotection. Such fundamental studies have facilitated the discovery of a previously unrecognized antioxidant cycle for estrogens in which estrogen‐derived quinols are key intermediates. Additionally, the use of these quinols as prodrugs in animal models has revealed a significant reduction of side effects compared to treatment directly with the feminizing hormones. Drug Dev. Res. 66:118‒125, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of protective effect of estrogens on cerebral Aβ levels in intact female and male APP transgenic mice
Authors: Chakrabarti Enakshi , Wang Jennifer , Claire‐Olsen Julia , Smith Jonathan D.
Published: February 2006

In previous experiments, treatment with either 17β‐estradiol or 17α‐estradiol decreased cerebral β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) levels in ovariectomized female APPSWE transgenic mice, a mouse model for Alzheimer disease‐like pathology. However, no effect of ovariectomy itself on cerebral Aβ levels was observed. In the current study, intact female and male APPIND,SWE transgenic mice were treated chronically with oral 17β‐estradiol or 17α‐estradiol. These treatments did not reduce cerebral Aβ levels or amyloid plaque counts vs. vehicle treated mice. In fact, 17β‐estradiol treatment of the intact female mice led to a significant increase in cerebral Aβ levels. Drug Dev. Res. 66:136–141, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Silicon wire waveguiding system: Fundamental characteristics and applications
Authors: Yamada Koji , Tsuchizawa Tai , Watanabe Toshifumi , Takahashi Jun‐Ichi , Fukuda Hiroshi , Takahashi Mitsutoshi , Shoji Tetsufumi , Uchiyama Shingo , Tamechika Emi , Itabashi Sei‐Ichi , Morita Hirofumi
Published: February 2006

We demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the waveguiding characteristics of silicon wire waveguides, and show their application to functional optical devices. Applying a novel spot‐size converter consisting of an ultrathin silicon taper and a SiON waveguide, coupling losses between silicon wire waveguide and optical fiber were greatly reduced to just 0.5 dB/coupling. Propagation losses were also reduced to less than 3 dB/cm, by smoothing the surface of the waveguide core. Some functional devices, such as photonic crystals, ring resonators, and lattice filters, were tested and showed superior optical characteristics. Enhancement of nonlinear phenomena due to a high power density effect was also observed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 89(3): 42–55, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20210
Wavelength tunable laser using silica double ring resonators
Authors: Ishizaka Masahige , Yamazaki Hiroyuki
Published: February 2006

A wavelength tunable laser having a wide tuning range is a key device in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) communication systems and has been studied by many research institutes. Recently, compared to WDM with the objective of expanding the transmission capacity, methods such as Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexing (ROADM), Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS), and wavelength routing with the objective of improving network flexibility have been studied extensively. Wavelength tunable lasers are widely recognized as fulfilling the important role of lowering the costs and advancing the functions of these systems. Today, wavelength tunable lasers having various methodologies and configurations have been proposed, but each has its advantages and disadvantages. We studied a configuration using a silica double ring optical resonator and a semiconductor amplifier as a simpler methodology with a simple configuration and lower costs. Using this configuration, we achieved 45‐nm wavelength tunable operation capable of covering the C‐band or the L‐band in WDM optical communications with sufficient margin by combining an external planar lightwave circuit (PLC) resonator and a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) in several milli‐squares. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 89(3): 34–41, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www. interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20212
Scattering of TM plane wave from a finite periodic surface
Authors: Kashihara Aya , Nakayama Junichi
Published: February 2006

Scattering of a TM plane wave from a finite periodic surface is studied by the spectral formalism. First, the diffraction beam, the optical theorem, the total scattering cross section and the relative power of diffraction beam are defined. By use of the principle of reflection, it is shown that the spectrum of the scattered wave can be written by the boundary value only on the corrugated part of the surface. Expanding such boundary value into a Fourier series, the integral equation determining the boundary value is transformed into a matrix equation of the Fourier coefficients, which is solved numerically. Then the total power of scattering and the relative power of diffraction beam are calculated against the angle of incidence. Wood's anomaly, the beam width of a diffraction beam, and the singularity of the spectrum of the scattered wave are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 89(3): 10–19, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20217
Hopping height control for hopping robots
Authors: Ohashi Eijiro , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: February 2006

In recent years, legged robots have progressed and are able to walk just like human beings. Hopping offers a possibility of moving faster and avoiding larger obstacles than walking. Thus, hopping becomes more significant. Copyright © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In this paper, to take account of torque limits of motors, we propose the method of controlling the hopping height by changing the leg length at bottom. Considering an actual environment, the environment will change as the robot moves around. Therefore, we describe a way to estimate the actual thrust force. Using the estimated thrust force, command value of leg length in the landing phase is determined. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by simulation and experimental results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 155(1): 64–71, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20172
Theoretical study on synchronization phenomena of wind turbines in a wind farm
Authors: Katayama Norihide , Takata Go , Miyake Masatoshi , Nanahara Toshiya
Published: February 2006

This paper discusses the synchronization phenomena of wind turbines in a wind farm. The phenomena illustrate the situation where a blade revolution of a wind turbine is pulled into phase with that of the other turbines in a wind farm. If blades of many turbines simultaneously pass in front of their towers, output power fluctuations of the turbines due to tower shadow effects also become synchronized. This causes voltage fluctuation to increase and may give rise to voltage flicker problems.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the phenomena theoretically. Obtaining a differential equation that describes the phenomena with output power, voltage, and slip fluctuations of a wind turbine, we examine dependence of the phenomena on the related parameters. We also prove the validity of the equation through simulation analyses. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 155(1): 9–18, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20201
Proposal of a Hamming distance detector using neuron MOS transistors
Authors: Fukuhara Masaaki , Yoshida Masahiro
Published: February 2006

A neuron MOS transistor has been proposed which operates more “intelligently” than a conventional MOS transistor. In this paper, we propose a Hamming distance detector with a large noise margin using the neuron MOS transistors. The proposed circuit accepts two bitstreams to be compared in parallel, and makes it possible to determine if the two bitstreams are identical (“exact match”) or if the Hamming distance between the two bitstreams is within a certain range (“near match”). Moreover, the “acceptable” range of the Hamming distance (in the case of “near match”) can be soft‐programmed. The operating characteristics of the circuit are also analyzed in detail. Furthermore, these analyses are fully confirmed by simulation using the circuit analysis program HSPICE. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 155(1): 44–51, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20223
On using expert opinion in ecological analyses: a frequentist approach
Authors: Lele Subhash R. , Allen Kristie L.
Published: February 2006

Many ecological studies are characterized by paucity of hard data. Statistical analysis in such situations leads to flat‐likelihood functions and wide confidence intervals. Although, there is paucity of hard data, expert knowledge about the phenomenon under study is many times available. Such expert opinion may be used to strengthen statistical inference in these situations. Subjective Bayesian is one approach to incorporate expert opinion in statistical studies. This approach, aside from the subjectivity, also faces operational problems. Elicitation of the prior is the most difficult step. Another is the lack of a precise quantitative definition of what characterizes an expert. In this paper, we discuss a different approach to incorporating subjective expert opinion in statistical analyses. We argue that it is easier to elicit data than to elicita prior. Such elicited data can then be used to supplement the hard, observed data to possibly improve precision of statistical analyses. The approach suggested here also leads to a natural definition of what constitutes a useful expert. We define a useful expert as one whose opinion adds information over and above what is provided by the observed data. This can be quantified in terms of the change in the Fisher information before and after using the expert opinion. One can, thus, avoid the real possibility of using an expert opinion that adds noise, instead of information, to the hard data. We illustrate this approach using an ecological problem of modeling and predicting occurrence of species. An interesting outcome of this analysis is that statistical thinking helps discriminate between a useful expert and a not so useful expert; expertness need not be decided purely on the basis of experience, fame, or such qualitative characteristics. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical method for simulation of attached cavitation flows
Authors: Liu Lijun , Li Jun , Feng Zhenping
Published: February 2006

A new numerical algorithm for attached cavitation flows is developed. A cavitation model is implemented in a viscous Navier–Stokes solver. The liquid–vapour interface is assumed as a free surface boundary of the computation domain. Its shape is determined with an iterative procedure to match the cavity surface to a constant pressure boundary. The pressure distribution, as well as its gradient along the wall, is taken into account in updating the cavity shape iteratively. A series of computations are performed for the cavitating flows across three kinds of headform/cylinder bodies: conic, ogival and hemispheric heads. A range of cavitation numbers is investigated for each headform/cylinder body. The obtained results are reasonable and the iterative procedure of cavity shape updating is quite stable. The superiority of the developed cavitation model and algorithm is demonstrated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scaled boundary finite element analysis of the water sloshing in 2D containers
Authors: Teng B. , Zhao M. , He G. H.
Published: February 2006

In this paper, the water sloshing in a 2D container is simulated numerically. The 2D Laplace equation is solved by using the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) based on the linearized free surface boundary condition. The computational results are compared with the analytical solution and solutions from a finite element method (FEM). It is found that the SBFEM method gives much better results than the FEM method in the case of same mesh size. The effect of the oscillating frequency on the amplitude of the surface elevation is also investigated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lignans from the bark extract of Pinus sylvestris L.
Authors: Sinkkonen Jari , Karonen Maarit , Liimatainen Jaana , Pihlaja Kalevi
Published: February 2006

Three lignans were isolated from a bioactive fraction of the 70% aqueous acetone extract of the pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) bark. Their structures were identified by high‐resolution positive ion EI mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The complete assignment of proton and carbon signals was achieved by 2D NMR experiments: HSQC, HMBC, DQF‐COSY and NOESY. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetisation transfer ratio of choline is reduced following epileptic seizures
Authors: Flügel Dominique , McLean Mary A. , Simister Robert J. , Duncan John S.
Published: February 2006

The purpose of this study was to characterise the concentration and magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) of brain metabolites following epileptic seizures. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed in 10 patients with temporal or extra‐temporal lobe epilepsy as soon as possible after a seizure, with a second interictal scan between 1 and 3 days after the postictal scan and 10 healthy controls were scanned twice. Voxels (26 ± 2 mL) were placed in the frontal lobe in all patients and controls, on the side of seizure focus in the patient group. Spectra were obtained using a modified PRESS sequence (TE 30 ms, TR 3 s, with three hard pulses offset from the water frequency by 2500 Hz for MT presaturation). Mean metabolite concentrations and median metabolite MTRs of N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine, choline (Cho), myo‐inositol (Ins) and glutamate plus glutamine were compared between the first and second scans in each group. A significant decrease in the MTR of Cho was seen postictally in the patient group, but the metabolite concentrations showed no significant difference between interictal and postictal scans and in the control group there was no difference between the two scans. Inter‐group comparison showed significantly reduced concentrations of NAA and Ins in the patients. Reduced MTR of Cho indicates a shift from a bound to a more mobile fraction. These changes might indicate membrane perturbation in areas of seizure spread. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the changes in the 1H NMR spectral pattern of perchloric acid extracts of C6 cells with growth
Authors: Valverde D. , Quintero M. R. , Candiota A. P. , Badiella Ll. , Cabañas M. E. , Arús C.
Published: February 2006

The aim of this work was to identify spectral markers of cell proliferation that could be of use in clinical MRS. Cultured C6 ATCC rat glioma cells were used as models for this purpose and metabolites were extracted with perchloric acid at three different growth curve stages: log, confluence and post‐confluence. 1D and 2D in vitro1H NMR spectra were recorded at 9.4 T. Statistically significant changes in myo‐inositol and glutamine concentrations between log phase and post‐confluence were found when normalized to the creatine ratio. The myo‐inositol/creatine ratio was 2.76 ± 0.82 at log phase increasing to 7.43 ± 1.34 at post‐confluence, while the glutamine/creatine ratio decreased from 0.22 ± 0.03 to 0.10 ± 0.02. No significant differences were recorded for other metabolites investigated. The fact that both myo‐inositol and glutamine are detectable by in vivo MRS at clinical fields makes their changes relevant as potential astrocytic tumour proliferation rate markers in clinical MRS. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient finite element formulation for geothermal heating systems. Part II: transient
Authors: Al‐Khoury R. , Bonnier P. G.
Published: February 2006

This paper presents an extension to the work presented in Part I of this series of two articles to the transient case. Emphasis is placed on the development of a new model for heat flow in a double U‐shape vertical borehole heat exchanger and its thermodynamic interactions with surrounding soil mass. The discretization of the spatial‐temporal domain of the heat pipe model is done by the use of the space–time finite element technique in conjunction with the Petrov–Galerkin method and the finite difference method. The paper shows that the proposed model and the choice of the discretization technique, in addition to the utilization of a sequential numerical algorithm for solving the resulting system of non‐linear equations, have contributed in reducing significantly the required number of finite elements necessary for describing geothermal heating systems. Details of the mathematical derivations and comparison to experimental data are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology of compatibilized ternary blends of polypropylene, nylon 66, and polystyrene
Authors: DeBolt Michael A. , Robertson Richard E.
Published: February 2006

The morphologies of a ternary blend of nylon 66 and polystyrene in a polypropylene matrix with and without compatibilization by an ionomer resin (for nylon 66) and a styrene‐block‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐block‐styrene (SEBS) copolymer (for polystyrene) were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of stained thin sections. The morphology found with the two compatibilizers (a five‐component mixture) was essentially that of the binary blends of nylon 66/polypropylene and of polystyrene/polypropylene with their respective compatibilizers, indicating no gross interference between the two compatibilization systems. However, several interactions were discerned: 1) an association of the polystyrene with the nylon in the compatibilized blends (partial wetting), 2) a presence of larger particles when both compatibilizers were added to the binary blends, and 3) a possible synergism, in which less of each compatibilizer was needed when they were both present. Polym. Eng. Sci. 46:385–398, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.
The effect of peptide length on the cleavage kinetics of 2‐chlorotrityl resin‐bound ethers
Authors: Kocsis László , Ruff Ferenc , Orosz György
Published: February 2006

Different characteristics of cleavage kinetics of resin‐bound amino alcohols and their peptide derivatives were observed in acid containing protic and aprotic solvent mixtures. The hydrolysis reactions are hindered by steric crowding around the cleaving CO bond and accelerated by the special solvation effect of CF3CH2OH on the peptide chain as well as the increase of the strength and concentration of the acid. In trifluoroacetic acid containing mixtures, trifluoroacetylation of the peptide alcohols was detected. The appearance ofO‐trifluoroacetyl serine and threonine derivatives is detected in cleavage mixtures containing trifluoroacetic acid in anhydrous solvent. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete surfaces of at most quadratic area growth
Authors: Li P.
Published: February 2006

In this article, we study complete surfaces with finite topological type and has at most quadratic area growth. In particular, we show that if the curvature of such a surface does not change sign, then it must be of finite total curvature.
The Cash-Point Service in NUT
Authors: Kotkas Vahur , Küngas Peep , Harf Mait
Published: February 2006

This paper describes how the cash-point service can be modelled and simulated using the NUT system.
Data Refinement of Remote Procedures
Authors: Sere Kaisa , Waldén Marina
Published: February 2006

Recently the action systems formalism for parallel and distributed systems has been extended with the procedure mechanism. This gives us a very general framework for describing different communication paradigms for action systems, e.g. remote procedure calls. Action systems come with a design methodology based on the refinement calculus. Data refinement is a powerful technique for refining action systems. In this paper we will develop a theory and proof rules for the refinement of action systems that communicate via remote procedures based on the data refinement approach. The proof rules we develop are compositional so that modular refinement of action systems is supported. As an example we will especially study the atomicity refinement of actions. This is an important refinement strategy, as it potentially increases the degree of parallelism in an action system.
Synchronization of gallers with host plant phenology
Authors: Yukawa J.
Published: February 2006

In addition to various bottom‐up effects, the synchronization of herbivores with their host plant phenology determines quality and quantity of food resources and affects the preference–performance linkage and abundance of herbivores. The synchronization has a more critical meaning for such short‐lived galling insects as cecidomyiid adults and young aphid stem mothers than for other insects. This review, first, presents general information about gall midges and gall aphids, together with their life history patterns and some ecological attributes. Second, some important topics of galling insect–host plant relation are briefly reviewed. Then, synchronization patterns between gall midge emergence and host plant phenology are analyzed to discuss the adaptive strategies of gall midges and to show how the amount of available food resources is affected by the time lag in synchronization. The spatial distribution pattern and the preference–performance linkage of aphid stem mothers is also discussed in relation to synchronization.
Adaptation to a new host plant, Centrosema pubescens (Fabales: Leguminosae), by the phytophagous ladybird beetle, Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in tropical Asia
Authors: Shirai Y. , Katakura H.
Published: February 2006

The host suitability of Centrosema pubescens (Leguminosae) was evaluated within two sympatric populations feeding on Solanum plants (Solanaceae) and C. pubescens in Epilachna vigintioctopunctata in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Indonesia (Bogor and Padang). In the Bogor and Padang populations, Centrosema strains had a significantly higher emergence rate than sympatric Solanum strains. In Kuala Lumpur, there was no significant difference in emergence rates between the two strains. When Centrosema strains from Kuala Lumpur and Padang were reared and maintained solely on Solanum plants, the emergence rate on C. pubescens gradually decreased with successive rearing generation and resulted in 0% in the 7th or 20th generations. These findings suggest that the current host suitability of C. pubescens depends on the previous experience of each population with the use of this plant as a host. However, we were not able to demonstrate from laboratory selection that Solanum strains increase the host adaptation to C. pubescens because every Solanum strain became extinct in the third generation when reared solely on C. pubescens.
Impact of habitat modification on the distribution and abundance of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Southeast Queensland
Authors: Raghu S. , Clarke A. R. , Drew R. A. I. , Hulsman K.
Published: February 2006

Loss of rainforest because of agricultural and urban development may impact the abundance and diversity of species that are rainforest natives. Tropical fruit flies are one group of such organisms indigenous to rainforests. In southeast Queensland, a region subject to rapid urbanization, we assessed the impact of habitat disturbance on the distribution and abundance of native fruit flies. Data on four species (Bactrocera tryoni, Bactrocera neohumeralis, Bactrocera chorista, and Dacus aequalis) were gathered and analyzed over 6 months in three habitat types: suburbia, open sclerophyll forest, and rainforest. We also analyzed the data at a combined “dacine fruit fly” level incorporating all fruit fly species trapped over the period of study (as might occur in a biodiversity assessment): these included the four species already named and Bactrocera melas, Bactrocera bryoniae, Bactrocera newmani, and Dacus absonifacies. Analysis at the species level showed that the polyphagous pest species responded differently to the monophagous species. Bactrocera tryoni, which has more exotic than native hosts, was positively affected by transformation of natural habitat into suburbia whereas B. neohumeralis, which has nearly identical numbers of native and exotic hosts, was found equally across habitat types. Bactrocera chorista and Dacus aequalis, each monophagous on a species‐specific rainforest host plant, were most abundant in rainforest. The analysis based on the combined data suggests that replacing rainforest with suburbia has a neutral, or even positive, effect on the abundance of fruit flies as a whole. At the species level, however, it can be seen that this is an erroneous conclusion biased by the abundance of a single pest species. Our discussion raises the issue of analyses at supraspecific levels in biodiversity and impact assessment studies.
A Monte Carlo simulation model for studying evolution in age‐structured populations
Authors: Sonleitner F. J.
Published: February 2006

This model provides for any number of genotypes defined by age‐specific survival and fecundity rates in a population with completely overlapping generations and growing under the control of density‐governing functions affecting survival or fecundity. It is tested in situations involving two alleles at one locus. Nonselection populations at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium obey the ecogenetic law; i.e., each genotype follows Lotka's law regarding rate of increase and stable age distribution as if it were an independent true‐breeding population. Populations experiencing age‐ and density‐independent selection approximate this situation, and the changes in gene frequency are predicted by relative fitnesses bases on λ, the finite rate of increase of the genotypes. Polymorphic gene equilibria occurring at steady‐state population sizes are determined by fitnesses based on R, the net reproductive rate. In examples involving differences in generation time produced by age‐dependent differences in fecundity, the allele associated with longer generation time may be favored or opposed by selection, depending on whether the density‐governing factor controlling population size affects survival or fecundity. If such genotypes have similar R's, a genetic equilibrium may be established if the population is governed by a density function acting upon fecundity.
Linking the coevolutionary and population dynamics of host–parasitoid interactions
Authors: Fellowes M. D. E. , Travis J. M. J.
Published: February 2006

The interplay between coevolutionary and population or community dynamics is currently the focus of much empirical and theoretical consideration. Here, we develop a simulation model to study the coevolutionary and population dynamics of a hypothetical host–parasitoid interaction. In the model, host resistance and parasitoid virulence are allowed to coevolve. We investigate how trade‐offs associated with these traits modify the system's coevolutionary and population dynamics. The most important influence on these dynamics comes from the incorporation of density‐dependent costs of resistance ability. We find three main outcomes. First, if the costs of resistance are high, then one or both of the players go extinct. Second, when the costs of resistance are intermediate to low, cycling population and coevolutionary dynamics are found, with slower evolutionary changes observed when the costs of virulence are also low. Third, when the costs associated with resistance and virulence are both high, the hosts trade‐off resistance against fecundity and invest little in resistance. However, the parasitoids continue to invest in virulence, leading to stable host and parasitoid population sizes. These results support the hypothesis that costs associated with resistance and virulence will maintain the heritable variation in these traits found in natural populations and that the nature of these trade‐offs will greatly influence the population dynamics of the interacting species.
Plant‐based host preference and larval competition of the tachinid parasitoid Epicampocera succincta
Authors: Iwao K. , Nakamura S. , Ohsaki N.
Published: February 2006

We investigated the causes of among‐plant variation in the parasitism rate of Pieris melete larvae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) by the parasitoid fly Epicampocera succincta (Diptera: Tachinidae). The rate of parasitism by E. succincta was much higher on the bitter cress Cardamine appendiculata than on any other cruciferous plants. Adult female flies were found to be more attracted to C. appendiculata than to other cruciferous plants for searching for hosts. The parasitoid appeared to be unable to distinguish P. melete from an alternative host, Pieris rapae larvae, that coexisted with P. melete on most crucifer plants. Similarly, E. succincta failed to avoid P. rapae parasitized by the braconid wasp Cotesia glomerata. C. glomerata is a superior competitor to E. succincta if occupying the same host, killing the host before the E. succincta larva can grow and depriving the larva of the chance to survive. E. succincta attacked P. rapae larvae on most cruciferous plants, many of which were already occupied by C. glomerata; only on Cardamine appendiculata was E. succincta free from interspecific competition, because only P. melete was found on this particular plant. However, the strong preference for the hosts on C. appendiculata incurred heavy intraspecific competition among larvae on this plant, killing as great a proportion of larvae as interspecific competition did on the other plants. The balance between the strength of intraspecific competition on the preferred plant and of interspecific competition on the other plants appeared to maintain plant preference by E. succincta.
Measurement, analysis, and interpretation of mortality factors in insect survivorship studies, with reference to the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Royama Tomo‐o
Published: February 2006

A theory and practical method are developed to evaluate insect survivorship as a continuous process in time and the effects of major factors that determine it, with a view to providing solutions to certain problems in survivorship studies. There are two ways of assessing mortality rates: nominal and marginal. A nominal rate is based on the number tallied in terms of the immediate cause of death; it depends on the method of observation employed and can be inconsistent between studies. A marginal rate is free of such inconsistency. The marginal rate attributable to the union of parasitism and disease is evaluated by frequent sampling in the field and rearing of each batch of samples in the laboratory for a short period of time. Comparing this rate with the field mortality rate, directly evaluated by sampling, determines marginal predation rate. The marginal parasitism and disease rates cannot be determined by observation. A computational method is developed to evaluate their approximate values. A step‐by‐step procedure of numerical calculations with data is provided in an appendix. The accuracy of estimating mortality depends on the frequency of sampling in the field and that of inspecting dead individuals in rearing. How frequently sampling and inspection should be conducted is discussed. The method of assessing parasitism developed here has a great advantage over the conventional method based on dissecting the samples, or rearing them through, that often results in a serious underestimation. Also discussed is the relative importance of mortality factors from the pest control point of view, and the concept of “joint contribution” is introduced. Other practical considerations include transportation of samples; rearing conditions; and how to deal with the “dead‐in‐the‐field” in the samples, the “rearing‐death syndrome,” and the “virtually dead” individuals.
Large Bowel Tuberculosis and Possible Influencing Factors for Surgical Prognosis: 30 Years’ Experience
Authors: Chen Wei‐Shone , Su Wei‐Juin , Wang Huann‐Sheng , Jiang Jeng‐Kae , Lin Jen‐Kou , Lin Tzu‐Chen
Published: February 2006

The incidence of tuberculosis is rising in the United States. Similarly, the incidence of pulmonary
tuberculosis in Taiwan is increasing, but that of large bowel
tuberculosis in this region has not been reported. The purpose of this
study was to investigate the changing disease pattern and to determine
some possible surgical prognostic factors for large bowel tuberculosis. Seventy cases of large bowel tuberculosis treated at our institute
during the period 1965–1995 were reviewed and analyzed. A steady
decline in the case number of large bowel tuberculosis were noted from
1975, but there seems to be a slight increase in cases since 1990. The
average age of these patients was 65.1 years, and none had human
immunodeficiency virus infection. The ileocecum is the most common
region of involvement. Of these 70 patients, 59 had not been
definitively diagnosed until surgery. Active pulmonary tuberculosis was
found in 18 patients (25.7%). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary
complications was higher in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis
or disseminating large bowel tuberculosis. Postoperative abdominal
complications, including intestinal obstruction, abdominal cutaneous
fistula, and wound infection, were seen in 13 patients, none of whom
had active pulmonary tuberculosis. Although the incidence of
tuberculosis has been reduced for years, it is now rising. Physicians
should bear in mind the possibility of large bowel tuberculosis in
patients with intestinal obstruction without specific origin. Postoperative respiratory care is important for patients with pulmonary
tuberculosis, with either active or disseminating lesions.
Indications for Surgical Management of Genitourinary Tuberculosis
Authors: Carl Peter , Stark Leonhard
Published: February 2006

The incidence of tuberculosis has risen in many parts of the world, and more attention is being focused on
genitourinary tuberculosis (GT), the second most common extrathoracic
form of tuberculosis. Although chemotherapy is the mainstay of
treatment, ablative surgery as a first‐line management may be
unavoidable for sepsis or abscesses. In cases with hydronephrosis and
progressive renal insufficiency caused by obstruction, renal drainage
(by stenting or nephrostomy) must be performed immediately. In all
other situations triple‐drug chemotherapy should be undertaken for at
least 6 months and stable conversion obtained before ablative or
reconstructive surgery is planned. Nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy
is indicated for nonfunctioning or poorly functioning kidneys, particularly if continuous flank pain or hypertension is present. Stenosis of the ureter usually can be managed by temporary stenting and
adjuvant corticosteroid therapy. Today the indications for augmentation
are rare, but bladder replacement may be combined with ureter
replacement using segments of intestine.