bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostate‐specific antigen velocity and survival for patients with hormone‐refractory metastatic prostate carcinoma
Authors: Rozhansky Flora , Chen Ming‐Hui , Cox Michael C. , Dahut William , Figg William D. , D'Amico Anthony V.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

The authors investigated whether prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) velocity was associated significantly with the time to death after randomization among patients with hormone‐refractory metastatic prostate carcinoma (HRMPC) who were treated with cytotoxic, cytotatic, or combination therapy.

METHODS

The study cohort included 213 men with HRMPC who were treated on 3 prospective, randomized Phase II studies between February 1996 and October 2001. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate whether there was a significant association between PSA velocity and the time to death after randomization, controlling for treatment and known prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Increasing PSA velocity was associated significantly with shorter survival after randomization (P = 0.005) controlling for treatment and known prognostic factors. The adjusted hazard ratio for death was 1.8 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.3–2.5; P = 0.0004) for men who had a PSA velocity > 0.0 ng/mL per month compared with men who had a PSA velocity ≤ 0.0 ng/mL per month. Estimates of survival 2 years after randomization for these men were 16% (95% CI, 7–25%) and 44% (95% CI, 35–53%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PSA velocity was associated significantly with the length of survival among men with HRMPC who received cytotoxic, cytostatic, or combination therapy. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Oxidation of Formic Acid and Carbon Monoxide on Gold Electrodes Studied by Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and DFT
Authors: Beltramo Guillermo L. , Shubina Tatyana E. , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: December 2005

The oxidation of formic acid and carbon monoxide was studied at a gold electrode by a combination of electrochemistry, in situ surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, and first‐principles DFT calculations. Comparison of the SERS results and the (field‐dependent) DFT calculations strongly suggests that the relevant surface‐bonded intermediate during oxidation of formic acid on gold is formate HCOO${{{- \hfill \atop ad\hfill}}}$. Formate reacts to form carbon dioxide via two pathways: at low potentials, with a nearby water to produce carbon dioxide and a hydronium ion; at higher potentials, with surface‐bonded hydroxyl (or oxide) to give carbon dioxide and water. In the former pathway, the rate‐determining step is probably related to the reaction of surface‐bonded formate with water, as measurements of the reaction order imply a surface almost completely saturated with adsorbate. The potential dependence of the rate of the low‐potential pathway is presumably governed by the potential dependence of formate coverage. There is no evidence for CO formation on gold during oxidation of formic acid. The oxidation of carbon monoxide must involve the carboxyhydroxyl intermediate, but SERS measurements do not reveal this intermediate during CO oxidation, most likely because of its low surface coverage, as it is formed after the rate‐determining step. Based on inconclusive spectroscopic evidence for the formation of surface‐bonded OH at potentials substantially below the surface oxidation region, the question whether surface‐bonded carbon monoxide reacts with surface hydroxyl or with water to form carboxyhydroxyl and carbon dioxide remains open. The SERS measurements show the existence of both atop and bridge‐bonded CO on gold from two distinguishable low‐frequency modes that agree very well with DFT calculations.
Current Densities and Nucleus‐Independent Chemical Shift Maps from Reciprocal‐Space Density Functional Perturbation Theory Calculations
Authors: Sebastiani Daniel
Published: December 2005

A method to calculate condensed‐matter nucleus independent chemical shift maps (NICS maps) from first principles in the framework of density functional theory is presented. I use a pseudopotential plane‐wave approach in which the electronic current density and the NICS map are obtained from an inverse Fourier transformation of the induced magnetic field represented in reciprocal space (G space). Due to its intrinsically periodic description, the method is suitable for isolated molecules (by using a supercell technique) and for condensed‐phase systems like solids. The periodic NICS method was applied to hydrogen‐bonded calixhydroquinone nanotubes, crystalline graphite, and two carbon nanotube systems.
Twisting the Th1/Th2 immune response via the retinoid X receptor: Lessons from a genetic approach
Authors: Spilianakis Charalampos G. , Lee Gap Ryol , Flavell Richard A.
Published: December 2005

The immune system is influenced by environmental factors such as hormones and nutrients. Previous studies have suggested that vitamins A and D influence the process of naive T helper (Th) cell differentiation into Th1 or Th2 cells. Vitamins A and D signal through the retinoid X receptor (RXR), which partners with either the retinoic acid receptor or the vitamin D receptor. Most previous studies into the role of RXR in Th differentiation have been performed in vitro and it was necessary for these to be verified in a physiological environment. However, in vivo study has been hindered since RXRα deficient mice are embryonic lethal. Du et al. in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, overcome this obstacle using “pinkie” mice that harbor a hypomorphic mutation in the Rxrα gene. The authors report that the mutant mice have an exaggerated Th1 immune response which is attributed to the aberrant antigen‐presenting cell and CD4 T cell function. This study confirms previous studies indicating that RXR signaling plays an important role in Th cell differentiation and also provides a valuable tool with which to study the mechanisms and the in vivo functions of this signaling pathway.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200535366
Synthesis and the Effect of a Peripheral N‐Arylcarbazole Moiety on theAcid‐Base and DNA Binding Properties of a Novel RuII Complex
Authors: Lü Yuan‐Yuan , Gao Li‐Hua , Han Mei‐Jiao , Wang Ke‐Zhi
Published: December 2005

A novel RuII complex of [Ru(bpy)2(cpipH)](ClO4)2 (where bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, cpipH = 2‐[4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl]‐1H‐imidazol[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline) was synthesized. The binding of the complex to calf thymus DNA was investigated with UV/Vis absorption and luminescence titrations, steady‐state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)6]4–, DNA competitive binding with ethidium bromide, and thermal denaturation. The pH effects on the UV/Vis absorption and emission spectra of the complex were also studied, and the ground‐ and excited‐state ionization constants were derived. The results indicated that the complex intercalatively bound to the DNA, with an intrinsic binding constant of (8.2 ± 0.8) × 105 M–1 in buffered 50 mM NaCl, is stronger than the parent complex, [Ru(bpy)2(pip)]2+ (pip = 2‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline), and its excited states are 0.7–0.8 pKa units more basic than those of the ground states. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Magnetic effect on the formation of longitudinal vortices in a rotating laminar boundary layer
Authors: Lin Ming‐Han
Published: December 2005

This paper presents a numerical study of magnetic effect on the formation of longitudinal vortices in a rotating laminar boundary layer. The criterion for the position marking the onset of longitudinal vortices is defined in this paper. The onset position characterized by the rotational Goertler number Gδ,rot, depends on the local rotation number, Reynolds number, the magnetic field parameter, the Prandtl number and the wave number. The results show that positive rotation destabilizes the flow. The flow is found to become more unstable to the vortex mode of instability as the value of magnetic field parameter M increases. The numerical data shows good agreement with the experimental results. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of primary health care services according to the different degrees of obesity in the Girona Health Region, Spain
Authors: Saez Marc , Saurina Carme , Coenders Germà , González‐Raya Sònia
Published: December 2005

Our main hypothesis in this paper was that, once controlled for age and gender, the use of primary health care services of people in each of the groups defined by their degree of obesity (i.e. normal weight, overweight and obese) did not correspond to the need for care implied by the level of risk of the group he/she belonged to. This fact could reflect some inequity in the utilisation of such services. Using a survey of the general population from the Girona Health Region, Spain, carried out during the fourth quarter of 2002, we have found that: first, the probability of primary health care use decreased with income for GPs (until 1200€) and increased for specialists (from 1500€). Second, we could conclude by confirming our hypothesis, i.e. there was more probability of obese individuals using general practice care, public in particular, and less probability of them using specialists, private in particular, than the rest of individuals. Third, we conclude that the use of multilevel (also hierarchical or mixed) models could explain most of our original findings in this paper. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and drug release characteristics of pingyangmycin‐loaded dextran cross‐linked gelatin microspheres for embolization therapy
Authors: Wu Hong , Zhang Zhenxi , Wu Daocheng , Zhao Hongping , Yu Kaitao , Hou Zhenqing
Published: December 2005

Gelatin microspheres (GMs) containing Pingyangmycin hydrochloride were prepared for the interventional embolization by a double‐phase emulsified thermal gelation method using oxidized dextran (ox‐dex) as the cross‐linking agent. The average diameter of the microspheres was 82 μm with 74% ranging from 50–200 μm. Drug content and the characteristics of drug release in vitro and in vivo were evaluated using UV‐spectroscopy and HPLC, respectively. The prepared microspheres showed a rather high percentage of encapsulation ranging from 85 to 88% and drug content at 7.2%. The results of in vitro experiments showed that about 65.5% of the total amount of the encapsulated drug was released after 6 h at 37°C. Experiments conducted through artery perfusion and artery embolization in rabbits revealed that the local drug concentration was significantly higher than the systemic blood–drug concentration, with a high level of local drug concentration maintained for more than 120 min after artery embolization with the Pingyangmycin‐loaded ox‐dex‐GMs. The results indicated that the external carotid artery embolization with Pingyangmycin‐loaded ox‐dex‐GMs at reduced dosages prolonged the local drug concentration at a higher level, and could achieve the purpose of a localized targeting tumor therapy. Compared with other embolization materials, ox‐dex‐GMs are an excellent alternative interventional embolization material for the treatment of head and neck tumors. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Augmentation of osteoporotic bone: Effect of pulsed jet‐lavage on injection forces, cement distribution, and push‐out strength of implants
Authors: Gisep A. , Curtis R. , Flütsch S. , Suhm N.
Published: December 2005

Demographic change in the population leads to higher incidence of fragility fractures. Fracture fixation with standard implants may lead to implant cut‐out due to reduced purchase. Augmentation of the bone stock with bone cements might overcome this problem. However, cancellous bone infiltration with the viscous cement dough reveals problems of fat embolism or high pressures during application of the cement. This study investigates the improved quality of bovine cancellous bone augmentation when pulsed jet‐lavage is used for fat and marrow removal. Parameters such as injection forces, cement dough distribution through cannulated implants and mechanical strength of the fixation were applied for quantification. Injection of 5 mL of acrylic bone cement required significantly lower forces in the lavaged as compared to the untreated bone (50 N vs. >300 N). Cement distribution was much more homogeneous and push‐out forces significantly higher in the pretreated bone group (8.33 ± 1.41 kN vs. 1.66 ± 0.63 kN). The application of pulsed jet‐lavage for fat removal prior to acrylic cement augmentation led to much more controlled outcomes of the augmentation. This seems to be a relevant step towards safe and efficient injection of bone cements into cancellous bone structures. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Protein kinase C can inhibit TRPC3 channels indirectly via stimulating protein kinase G
Authors: Kwan Hiu‐Yee , Huang Y , Yao Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2005

There are two known phosphorylation‐mediated inactivation mechanisms for TRPC3 channels. Protein kinase G (PKG) inactivates TRPC3 by direct phosphorylation on Thr‐11 and Ser‐263 of the TRPC3 proteins, and protein kinase C (PKC) inactivates TRPC3 by phosphorylation on Ser‐712. In the present study, we explored the relationship between these two inactivation mechanisms of TRPC3. HEK cells were first stably transfected with a PKG‐expressing construct and then transiently transfected with a TRPC3‐expressing construct. Addition of 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol (OAG), a membrane‐permeant analog of diacylglycerol (DAG), elicited a TRPC3‐mediated [Ca2+]i rise in these cells. This OAG‐induced rise in [Ca2+]i could be inhibited by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), an agonist for PKC, in a dose‐dependent manner. Importantly, point mutations at two PKG phosphorylation sites (T11A‐S263Q) of TRPC3 markedly reduced the PMA inhibition. Furthermore, inhibition of PKG activity by KT5823 (1 µM) or H8 (10 µM) greatly reduced the PMA inhibition of TRPC3. These data strongly suggest that the inhibitory action of PKC on TRPC3 is partly mediated through PKG in these PKG‐overexpressing cells. The importance of this scheme was also tested in vascular endothelial cells, in which PKG plays a pivotal functional role. In these cells, OAG‐induced [Ca2+]i rise was inhibited by PMA, which activates PKC, and by 8‐BrcGMP and S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), both of which activate PKG. Importantly, the PMA inhibition on OAG‐induced [Ca2+]i rise was significantly reduced by PKG inhibitor KT5823 (1 µM) or DT‐3 (500 nM), suggesting an important role of PKG in the PMA‐induced inhibition of TRPC channels in native endothelial cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 315–321, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anticandidal low molecular compounds from higher plants with special reference to compounds from essential oils
Authors: Pauli A.
Published: December 2005

The most active low molecular weight compounds from higher plants againstCandidaspecies are compiled from a database of antimicrobials (Amicbase) to find out new hints on their mechanism of action. The selected compounds possess strong inhibitory activitiesin vitroagainstCandidaspecies either in the agar diffusion test, bioautography, agar dilution test, serial dilution test, or activity in the vapour phase. The test conditions are listed thoroughly and aspects of the different methods and recent developments in the testing of anticandidal drugs are discussed. The anticandidal spectra of drugs, antiseptics, and disinfectants licensed on the major markets are given for comparision of activities with compounds from natural sources. So far known mechanisms of action are described and some new structure–activity relationships are deduced from relationships between biological activities and chemical and physical parameters. Main specific targets of natural anticandidals are the ergosterol pathway, respiratory chain, and chitin biosynthesis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
Prospective longitudinal evaluation of doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy in sarcoma patients: A report of the late effects surveillance system (LESS)
Authors: Paulides M. , Kremers A. , Stöhr W. , Bielack S. , Jürgens H. , Treuner J. , Beck J.D. , Langer T.
Published: December 2005

Background

Prospective longitudinal examinations of anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy in a homogeneous cohort are rare in pediatric oncology. We herein report the results of observations on the frequency of cardiomyopathy in doxorubicin‐treated sarcoma patients in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Procedure

The Late Effects Surveillance System (LESS) prospectively collects longitudinal data on late sequelae of antineoplastic therapy in Ewing‐, soft tissue‐, and osteosarcoma patients treated within the therapy trial protocols of the German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology. Two hundred sixty‐five relapse‐free patients who had received doxorubicin for the treatment within the EICESS‐92/EURO‐E.W.I.N.G.‐99, COSS‐96, and CWS‐96 therapy trials were serially examined by echocardiography. The analyzed population consisted of 142 males and 123 females. Their mean age at the end of therapy was 13 ± 5 years. The mean follow‐up time was 34 ± 12 months. The mean cumulative doxorubicin dose was 290 ± 91 mg/m2.

Results

In this cohort, the total cumulative incidence of doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy was 7.5%. Four patients (1.5%) suffered from a symptomatic cardiomyopathy and 16 (6%) from a subclinical cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy manifested in 11 cases already under antineoplastic therapy and in the remaining nine cases at a median of 26 days (range: 17–174 days) after stopping antineoplastic therapy. Univariate and multivariable analysis did not confirm any of the known risk factors for developing anthracycline‐induced cardiomyopathy in our patient group within the described time interval.

Conclusions

After a mean follow‐up of 34 ± 12 months, cumulative incidence of doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy in our pediatric sarcoma patients was at the lower end of that reported by other groups. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006, 46:489–495. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Features and outcome of neonatal leukemia in Japan: Experience of the Japan Infant Leukemia Study Group
Authors: Ishii Eiichi , Oda Megumi , Kinugawa Naoko , Oda Takanori , Takimoto Tetsuya , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Kosaka Yoshiyuki , Ohara Akira , Ogawa Atsushi , Ishii Mutsuo , Sakata Naoki , Okamura Takayuki , Koike Kenichi , Kojima Seiji , Horibe Keizo , Mizutani Shuki
Published: December 2005

Background

Neonatal leukemia characterized by early stem cell origin and extramedullary infiltration in the first 4 weeks of life is rare. We analyzed the features and outcome of neonatal leukemia in Japan to establish an appropriate treatment strategy for this rare disorder.

Procedure

Patients with infant leukemia registered and treated in the Japan Infant Leukemia Study between 1996 and 2001 were analyzed.

Results

Among 162 infant leukemia patients, 11 exhibited neonatal leukemia; frequencies for all infant leukemias were 6.9% (8/116) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 7.3% (3/41) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Positive MLL gene rearrangement was observed in all eight patients with ALL; a single patient with AML displayed germline configuration. Acute monoblastic leukemia was apparent in all three patients with AML (M5a in the FAB classification). Most of the patients demonstrated hepatoplenomegaly and hyperleukocytosis at diagnosis. Cutaneous and central nervous system involvement were detected in half of the patients. Four patients (one with AML, and three with ALL) have survived following stem cell transplantation (SCT); however, growth impairment related to SCT was observed in these patients.

Conclusions

These results suggest an improvement attributable to treatment of neonatal leukemia. International‐based collaborative studies are necessary to investigate the biology of this condition and to establish appropriate therapeutic strategies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006;47:268–272. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple behavioral risk factors among adolescent survivors of childhood cancer in the Survivor Health and Resilience Education (SHARE) Program
Authors: Tercyak Kenneth P. , Donze Jessica R. , Prahlad Sowmya , Mosher Revonda B. , Shad Aziza T.
Published: December 2005

Background

Health‐compromising behaviors among survivors of childhood cancer may increase their risks of cancer recurrence and the onset of chronic disease in adulthood. Regardless of whether such behaviors occur singly or in combination with one another, multiple behavioral risk factors must be identified and addressed early to promote better health outcomes within this special population. Adolescent survivors may be especially vulnerable, as reported rates of smoking and other risky behaviors are at or near levels of their healthy peers. The psychological literature suggests stress may play a role in risk behavior initiation and maintenance, including multiple behavioral risks, and that adolescent survivors are stress‐prone. This report focuses on the prevalence and co‐occurrence of three behavioral risk factors (cigarette use, insufficient physical activity, and non‐adherence to sun protection recommendations) and describes stress‐health behavior relationships in this special population.

Procedure

All patients in this study (n = 75) were adolescent survivors of childhood cancer and completed a baseline assessment of their health behaviors and stress as part of a randomized controlled trial of health promotion.

Results

Twenty‐eight percent of the patients reported one of three risk factors, 12% reported two of three risk factors, and 7% reported all three risk factors. Non‐adherence to sun protection was the single most common risk factor; physical inactivity and non‐adherent sun protection were the most common co‐occurring risk factors. Greater age and stress were significantly associated with the presence of more behavioral risk factors.

Conclusions

The evidence suggests interventions to reduce multiple health‐compromising behaviors in these patients are warranted, and that efforts to address these patients' personal and family stress levels are important as well. Pediatric Blood Cancer 2006;47:825–830. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Favorable histology, MYCN‐amplified 4S neonatal neuroblastoma
Authors: Chan Edward L. , Harris Richard E. , Emery Kathleen H. , Gelfand Michael J. , Collins Margaret H. , Gruppo Ralph A.
Published: December 2005

We report a neonate with 4S neuroblastoma and MYCN amplification, but favorable Shimada histology, successfully treated with chemotherapy and 13‐cis‐retinoic acid without stem cell transplantation. MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma is usually associated with unfavorable Shimada histology; the presence of these features in infants with 4S disease confers a poor prognosis. A small number of infants with 4S neuroblastoma and MYCN amplification have favorable Shimada histology. In this subgroup of infants, histopathology may be equally important in predicting outcome. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low incidence of sepsis due to viridans streptococci in a ten‐year retrospective study of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Brunet A.S. , Ploton C. , Galambrun C. , Pondarré C. , Pages M.P. , Bleyzac N. , Freydière A.M. , Barbé G. , Bertrand Y.
Published: December 2005

Background

Infections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and particularly viridans group streptococci (VGS) sepsis. The present study, conducted between 1993 and 2003 in children with AML, sought to assess the frequency and characteristics of infectious complications (ICs), the incidence of VGS sepsis, the interest of preventive decontamination, and a possible cytarabine dose‐effect on the occurrence of ICs.

Methods

Medical charts of 78 children treated according to the EORTC 58921 clinical trial were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were isolated in laminar air flow rooms, received non‐absorbable gut decontamination, gum decontamination with vancomycin mouthwash, and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxasole. ICs were categorized as microbiologically documented infections (MDI), clinically documented infections (CDI), or fever of unknown origin (FUO).

Results

Overall, 268 ICs occurred: 57.5% FUO, 8.5% CDI, and 34% MDI. Bloodstream infections occurred in 58 febrile episodes: Gram‐positive bacteria represented 83% of the pathogens including 66.1% Staphylococcus species and 8.5% Streptococcus species (6.8% VGS), Gram‐negative bacteria represented 13.5% of the pathogens and yeasts 3.5%. Five patients died of infection (6.4%). None died from bacterial infection and no case of VGS sepsis required intensive care. Invasive fungal infection was proven in four patients. Number of ICs was significantly different according to gum and gut decontamination status, and according to the cytarabine dose during the first intensification. No resistant strains were detected in spite of the use of local antibiotics.

Conclusion

The low rate of VGS and enterobacteriaceae sepsis was probably due to the effective decontamination. Our supportive care strategy could potentially help enhance overall survival in children with AML. Pediatric Blood Cancer 2006;47:765–772. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Copolymerization of glycolide and trimethylene carbonate
Authors: Zurita Raül , Puiggalí Jordi , Franco Lourdes , Rodríguez‐Galán Alfonso
Published: December 2005

The bulk ring‐opening copolymerization of glycolide with trimethylene carbonate was performed under different conditions. The influence of the composition, temperature, reaction time, and catalyst on the chain microstructure was studied by means of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The final microstructure was found to be highly dependent on the transesterification reactions. The thermal behavior was sensitive to the composition and to the length of the glycolyl microblocks. Differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction demonstrated that glycolyl‐rich sequences could give rise to a single crystalline phase, whereas trimethylene carbonyl units were incorporated into the amorphous phase. The synthesis of copolymers from the melt‐state transesterification of polyglycolide and poly(trimethylene carbonate) homopolymer mixtures was also studied. The hydrolytic degradation rate of the copolymers was found to depend on the microstructure and in general was enhanced with the degree of randomness. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 993–1013, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of ether derivatives of brominated poly(isobutylene‐co‐isoprene)
Authors: Guillén‐Castellanos Sergio A. , Parent J. Scott , Whitney Ralph A.
Published: December 2005

Variations of the Williamson ether synthesis were employed to prepare a range of new derivatives of brominated poly(isobutylene‐co‐isoprene) (BIIR). Unambiguous characterization of the polymeric products was accomplished by spectroscopic comparisons to low‐molecular‐weight analogues derived from brominated 2,2,4,8,8‐pentamethyl‐4‐nonene, which served as a model for the reactive functionality found within BIIR. The substitution of bromide from BIIR occurred at moderate temperatures with stoichiometric amounts of quaternary ammonium phenoxide to yield O‐alkylation products in high yields. Simple mixtures of BIIR, KOH, and aliphatic alcohols generated the desired allylic ethers when heated above 110 °C in the absence of quaternary ammonium salts. Knowledge gained from these small‐molecule alkylations was used to prepare graft copolymers from BIIR and poly(ethylene oxide) through the exploitation of the apparent ability of polyethers to activate potassium alkoxides in nucleophilic substitutions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 983–992, 2006
Laser‐induced Breakdown Detection (LIBD) for the Highly Sensitive Quantification of Aquatic Colloids. Part I: Principle of LIBD and Mathematical Model
Authors: Bundschuh Tobias , Wagner Tobias U. , Köster Rainer
Published: December 2005

A new type of Laser‐induced Breakdown Detection (LIBD) is being developed for the direct quantification of aquatic colloids of extremely small sizes at very low concentrations, which are not detectable by the commercial methods currently available. LIBD allows for the detection of colloids in the lower nanometer range. Different statistical and mathematical models are available for the quantification of colloids in aquatic systems. In this double publication (parts I and II), a model based on binomial statistics was employed. This is introduced as the basis of our theoretical descriptions of the experimental data discussed in part II. As a prerequisite, a qualitative and quantitative description of the power density distribution in the focal area of a laser beam is necessary and thus is also presented in this article. Together with the second part, this paper is intended to provide a profound insight into both the theoretical and experimental aspects of the Laser‐induced Breakdown Detection technique, and to show practical applications as well as the latest developments in this field of particle characterization.
Effect of Mechanochemical Processing on Illite Particles
Authors: Yang Huaming , Yang Wuguo , Hu Yuehua , Du Chunfang , Tang Aidong
Published: December 2005

Dry grinding of illite particles has been investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nitrogen adsorption techniques. Prolonged grinding results in an amorphous illite structure and the mechanochemical effect markedly promotes a reduction in reflection intensities with increased grinding time. It is confirmed that illite is very susceptible to alteration by grinding. The illite crystal size (d006) appears to reach a limit after 2 h of grinding. N2 adsorption studies indicate that illite ground for 8 h shows a larger average pore diameter than a sample after 4 h grinding or the original illite. It is inferred that grinding is good for the formation of macrostructural pores. Illite grinding results in a decrease in the Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) surface area and total pore volume. IR spectroscopy shows a slight alteration in the illite bands after mechanochemical processing and some new bands were detected after 4 or more hours of grinding.
Examining the collision‐induced decomposition spectra of ammoniated triglycerides as a function of fatty acid chain length and degree of unsaturation. II. The PXP/YPY series
Authors: Li Xingwen , Collins Elizabeth J. , Evans Jason J.
Published: December 2005

A series of positionally pure triglycerides (TAGs) of the form PXP and YPY, where P is the palmitate moiety and X and Y are large arrays of different fatty acid moieties, is synthesized and analyzed by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The intensities of the collision‐induced decomposition (CID) products of ammoniated TAGs were examined as a function of chain length, degree of unsaturation, double‐bond position, and cis/trans configuration of X and Y. The major CID products, the diglyceride (DAG) fragment ions and the MH+ ions, are plotted as functions of chain length for the saturated and monounsaturated series of X and Y. Different trends for each of these series are observed. Trends in the intensities of these fragment ions are also characterized as a function of degree of unsaturation in the TAGs. In general, the fractional intensities of MH+ increase with increasing degree of unsaturation in the TAGs. MH+ is absent in the CID spectra of triglycerides containing three saturated fatty acid moieties, suggesting that the presence of double bonds fosters the formation of MH+. Double bonds positioned close to the carbonyl carbon along the fatty acid chain promote the formation of the DAG fragment ion corresponding to the loss of the fatty acid. The collection of PXP/YPY data produced in this work is used to test the mechanisms of the formation and decomposition of ammoniated TAGs that were previously presented. The YPY data are used to predict the intensities of the fragment ions in the CID spectra of YPX‐type TAGs. The limitations of the mathematical approach used in these predictions are discussed in context of a broader plan to develop a software platform for comprehensive analysis of complex TAG mixtures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of ion and neutral loss compositions and deconvolution of product ion mass spectra using an orthogonal acceleration time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer and an ion correlation program
Authors: Grange Andrew H. , Zumwalt Michael C. , Sovocool G. Wayne
Published: December 2005

Exact masses of monoisotopic ions, and the relative isotopic abundances (RIAs) of ions greater in mass by 1 and 2 Da than the monoisotopic ion, are independent and complementary physical properties useful for distinguishing among elemental compositions of ions possible for a given nominal mass. Using these properties to determine elemental compositions of product ions and neutral losses increases the masses of precursor ions for which unique compositions can be determined. Compositions of the precursor ion, product ion, and neutral loss aid mass spectral interpretation and guide modest chemical literature searches for candidate standards to be obtained for confirmation of tentative compound identifications. This approach is essential for compound characterization or identification due to the absence of commercial libraries of electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) product ion spectra. For a series of 34 exact mass measurements, an orthogonal acceleration time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer provided 34 and 29 values accurate to within 2 and 1 mDa, respectively, for ions from eight simulated unknowns with [M+H]+ ion masses between 166 and 319 Da. Of 36 RIA measurements for +1 Da or +2 Da ions, 35 were accurate to within 20% of their predicted values (or to within 0.4 RIA % when the RIA value was less than 1%) in the absence of obvious interferences, in cases where the monoisotopic ion peak areas were at least 1.7 × 105 counts and the ion masses exceeded 141 Da. An ion correlation program (ICP) provided the unique and correct compositions for all but three of the 34 ions studied. Manual inspection of the data eliminated the incorrect compositions. To test the utility of the ICP for deconvoluting composite product ion spectra, all 34 ions were tested for correlation. Six of eight precursor ions were identified as such, while two were compositional subsets of others and were not properly identified. The six precursor ion compositions were still found by the ICP even though ions with masses less than 158 Da were not considered since they could no longer be correlated with a single precursor ion. Finally, two unidentified analytes were characterized, based on data published by others and using the ICP together with mass spectral interpretation. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation of three pairs of aconite alkaloid isomers from Aconitum nagarum var. lasiandrum by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Rui , Wu Zhijun , Zhang Fan , Ding Lisheng
Published: December 2005

Three pairs of isomers of aconite alkaloids from Aconitum nagarum var. lasiandrum have been investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) employing ion‐trap and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometers in positive mode. Based on the differences of their fragmentation pathways and special fragment ions, three pairs of isomers of aconite alkaloids were differentiated. In addition, fragmentation laws of some veatchines and the discrepancy of fragmentation mechanisms between veatchine‐type and aconitine‐type alkaloid were also concluded. In the case of veatchines, a radical would be formed by homolysis of C18C4 or C18H bonds, followed by elimination of a series of C2H2 and C2H4. Moreover, the retro‐Diels‐Alder (RDA) reaction occurred in the E‐ring and double‐electron transfer triggered by the positive charge on C1 led to the formation of diagnostic ions at m/z 216. With regard to aconitine‐type alkaloids, the N‐substituent is not eliminated easily. Although there is no carbonyl group on some aconitine‐type alkaloids, with hydroxyl and methoxyl on C15 and C16 respectively, CO was readily eliminated through tautomerization. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications of the regularity lemma for uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Rödl Vojtěch , Skokan Jozef
Published: December 2005

In this article we discuss several combinatorial problems that can be addressed by the Regularity Method for hypergraphs. Based on the recent results of Nagle, Schacht, and the authors, we give here solutions to these problems.

In particular, we prove the following: Let ℱ be a k‐uniform hypergraph on t vertices and suppose an n‐vertex k‐uniform hypergraph ℋ︁ contains only o(nt) copies of ℱ. Then one can delete o(nk) edges of ℋ︁ to make it ℱ‐free.

Similar results were recently obtained by W. T. Gowers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006
Combination Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Era of Biologicals
Authors: Gibofsky Allan
Published: December 2005

Early, aggressive disease management is critical for halting disease progression and joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Combination therapy with at least two disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate (MTX), sulfasalazine, or hydroxychloroquine, is often more effective than monotherapy in reducing disease activity. Biologic therapies represent more effective and tolerable treatment options that, when combined with MTX, have been shown to dramatically reduce inflammation, inhibit radiographic progression, and induce remission. Although several types of treatment strategies are used in clinical practice, the most aggressive approaches that target early disease have shown the most promise in reversing disease progression and reducing disease-related costs.
Repeatability of autonomic responses to pain anticipation and pain stimulation
Authors: Colloca Luana , Benedetti Fabrizio , Pollo Antonella
Published: December 2005

In this study we address the problem of the repeatability of autonomic responses in the experimental setting. In healthy volunteers, we measured the heart rate (HR) response to pain anticipation and to pain elicited with galvanic stimulation. After evaluation of pain threshold (T), all subjects underwent the same experimental protocol, whereby a painful stimulus at 1.5T was delivered on the forehead following a warning, while the ECG was continuously recorded. The procedure was repeated three times across a three‐week period. The parameters recorded included pain threshold, pain rating, HR response to pain anticipation and HR response to pain. We found a high correlation among the three sessions for all parameters, indicating that, as occurs for pain threshold and pain rating, individual differences in autonomic responses can be reliably reproduced as well, even though significant habituation develops.
The Two Parts of the Dorsal Radiocarpal (Radiolunotriquetral) Ligament
Authors: SHAABAN H. , LEES V. C.
Published: December 2005

An anatomical study was performed to identify the configuration of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament. Fourteen fresh frozen wrists from seven cadavers (mean age 65 years) were dissected under loupe magnification. The study demonstrates that the dorsal radiocarpal ligament had, in every case examined, an additional superficial component which has not been previously described. It arises from the distal part of the interosseous border of the radius. It runs obliquely, distally and ulnarward, over the distal ulna to attach to the lunate and triquetrum. The dorsal radiocarpal ligament blends with the underlying dorsal radioulnar ligament which runs transversely, at a deeper plane, between the radius and ulna. The paper discusses the clinical implications of this finding.
Guest Editor's Preface: Workshop on Fast High Density Plasma
Blocks Driven By Picosecond Terawatt Lasers
Authors: Osman Frederick
Published: December 2005

This issue of Laser and Particle Beams includes papers
presented at the Workshop on “Fast High Density Plasma Blocks Driven
by Picosecond Terawatt Lasers” held at the University of Western
Sydney, Campbelltown Campus, Australia from 1–4 December 2004.
Evidence of enhanced effective hot electron temperatures in
ultraintense laser-solid interactions due to reflexing
Authors: CHEN HUI , WILKS SCOTT C.
Published: December 2005

It is shown that the effective hot electron temperature,
Thot, associated with the energetic electrons
produced during the interaction of an ultra-intense laser with thin solid
targets is dependent on the thickness of the target. We report the first
direct experimental observations of electron energy spectra obtained from
laser-solid interactions that indicates the reflexing of electrons in thin
targets results in higher electron temperatures than those obtained in
thick target interactions. This can occur for targets whose thickness,
xt, is less than about half the range of an
electron at the energy associated with the initial effective electron
temperature, provided the laser pulse length is at least
cτp >
2xt. A simple theoretical model that
demonstrates the physical mechanism behind this enhanced heating is
presented and the results of computer simulations are used to verify the
model.
Controlling ultrashort intense laser pulses by plasma Bragg gratings
with ultrahigh damage threshold
Authors: WU H.-C. , SHENG Z.-M. , ZHANG Q.-J. , CANG Y. , ZHANG J.
Published: December 2005

Propagation of ultrashort intense laser pulses in a plasma Bragg
grating induced by two counterpropagating laser pulses has been
investigated. Such a plasma grating exhibits an ultrawide photonic band
gap, near which strong dispersion appears. It is found that the grating
dispersion dominates the dispersion of background plasma by several orders
of magnitude. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations show light speed
reduction, pulse stretching, and chirped pulse compression in the plasma
grating. The nonlinear coupled-mode theory agrees well with the PIC
results. Because the plasma grating has a much higher damage threshold
than the ordinary optical elements made of metal or dielectric, it can be
a novel tool for controlling femtosecond intense laser pulses.
Difference between relativistic petawatt-picosecond laser-plasma interaction and subrelativistic plasma-block generation
Authors: HORA HEINRICH
Published: December 2005

Some preliminary views are presented to the topic “Fast High Density Plasma Blocks Driven by Picosecond Terawatt Lasers” of the UWS-International Workshop 1–4 December 2004 in Sydney, Australia, underlining the motivation to explain the difference between the relativistic and the subrelativistic effects of ps-laser pulse interaction with plasma at powers above TW. This refers to specifically selected experimental and theoretical presentations at the workshop containing results for explaining the differences but also the important applications for studies on the fast ignitor scheme for application on nuclear fusion energy. One of the aims with relativistic proton beams is to realize conditions of spark ignition, while the subrelativistic case implies the generation of fast plasma blocks eventually with the possibility to ignite a fusion flame in uncompressed solid DT fuel for a power station with high efficiency.
Debye sheath mechanism at laser plasma interaction and generalization to nuclear forces and quark-gluon plasma
Authors: OSMAN FREDERICK , GHAHRAMANI NADER , HORA HEINRICH
Published: December 2005

The studies of laser ablation have lead to a new theory of nuclei, endothermic nuclei generation, and quark-gluon plasmas. The surface of ablated plasma expanding into vacuum after high power laser irradiation of targets contains an electric double layer having the thickness of the Debye length. This led to the discovery of surface tension in plasmas, and led to the internal dynamic electric fields in all inhomogeneous plasmas. The surface tension causes stabilization by short length surface wave smoothing the expanding plasma plume and to stabilization against the Rayleigh–Taylor instability. Generalizing this to the degenerate electrons in a metal with the Fermi energy instead of the temperature resulted in the first quantum theory of surface tension of metals in agreement with measurements. Taking the Fermi energy in the Debye length for nucleons results in a theory of nuclei with stable confinement of protons and neutrons just at the well-known nuclear density, and the Debye lengths equal to the Hofstadter decay of the nuclear surface. Increasing the nuclear density by a factor of 10 leads to a change of the Fermi energy into its relativistic branch where no surface energy is possible and the particle mass is not defined, permitting the quark gluon plasma. Expansion of this higher density at the big bang or in super-nova results in nucleation and element generation. The Boltzmann equilibrium permits the synthesis of nuclei even in the endothermic range, however with the limit to about uranium. A relation for the magic numbers leads to a quark structure of nuclear shells that can be understood as a duality property of nuclei with respect to nucleons and quarks
Application of laser driven fast high density plasma blocks for ion
implantation
Authors: SARI AMIR H. , OSMAN F. , DOOLAN K.R. , GHORANNEVISS M. , HORA H. , HÖPFL R. , BENSTETTER G. , HANTEHZADEH M.H.
Published: December 2005

The measurement of very narrow high density plasma blocks of high ion
energy from targets irradiated with ps-TW laser pulses based on a new skin
depth interaction process is an ideal tool for application of ion
implantation in materials, especially of silicon, GaAs, or conducting
polymers, for micro-electronics as well as for low cost solar cells. A
further application is for ion sources in accelerators with most
specifications of many orders of magnitudes advances against classical ion
sources. We report on near band gap generation of defects by implantation
of ions as measured by optical absorption spectra. A further connection is
given for studying the particle beam transforming of n-type semiconductors
into p-type and vice versa as known from sub-threshold particle beams. The
advantage consists in the use of avoiding aggressive or rare chemical
materials when using the beam techniques for industrial applications.
Laser targets compensate for limitations in inertial confinement
fusion drivers
Authors: KILKENNY J.D. , ALEXANDER N.B. , NIKROO A. , STEINMAN D.A. , NOBILE A. , BERNAT T. , COOK R. , LETTS S. , TAKAGI M. , HARDING D.
Published: December 2005

Success in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) requires sophisticated,
characterized targets. The increasing fidelity of three-dimensional (3D),
radiation hydrodynamic computer codes has made it possible to design
targets for ICF which can compensate for limitations in the existing
single shot laser and Z pinch ICF drivers. Developments in ICF target
fabrication technology allow more esoteric target designs to be
fabricated. At present, requirements require new deterministic
nano-material fabrication on micro scale.
Gamma radiation measurements as a diagnostic tool of beam-induced
dense plasmas
Authors: ROUDSKOY I.V. , GOLUBEV A.A. , FERTMAN A.D. , PROKURONOV M.V. , KANTSYREV A.V. , SHARKOV B.YU. , TURTIKOV V.I. , WEYRICH K.
Published: December 2005

The paper presents the first experimental results obtained by using
new gamma-quantum diagnostics for ion beam induced high energy density
matter. Registration of γ-quantum output from the region of
beam-target interaction with time resolution enables to pick-up
information on density evolution of the target even if the ionization
state of matter involved is unknown.