bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzyme activity as an indicator of soil quality changes in degraded cultivatedAcrisolsin the Mexican Trans‐volcanic Belt
Authors: Pajares S. , Gallardo J. F. , Masciandaro G. , Ceccanti B. , Etchevers J. D.
Published: May 2010

Soils located at the Mexican Trans‐Volcanic Belt (MTB) have a worrying degree of degradation due to inappropriate management practices. Early indicators of soil changes are very useful to alert about negative impacts of wrong managements on these volcanic soils. The aim of this work was to evaluate the short‐term effects (4 years) of different agricultural practices on soil organic matter (SOM) quality and to validate the potential of the selected biochemical properties as optimal early indicators of soil quality in Mexican cultivatedAcrisols. During 2002–2005 four agronomic management systems: conventional (Tc); improved conventional (Ti); organic (To) and fallow (Tf) were assayed in plots located at the MTB. An uncultivated soil under grass cover (Sg) was used as reference. Soil samples were collected at 0–10 cm depth and were analysed chemically (soil organic C, total N, water‐soluble C and humic C), and biochemically (total and extra‐cellular enzyme activity). After 4 years, soil organic C, total N, water‐soluble C, and dehydrogenase activity had higher values in To, followed by Ti treatment. A similar response pattern was observed in the extra‐cellular enzyme activity. The highest total enzyme activity was found in Sg, followed by Ti and To treatments, and the lowest values appeared in Tc and Tf. To and Ti increased SOM contents of the degradedAcrisolsstudied, while Tc and Tf managements decreased the quality of these soils. The results showed that the assayed soil enzymes can be used as indicators of quality changes of these Mexican volcanic soils. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New unsymmetrical complex diesters of adipic acid considered as tribological fluids
Authors: Mirci Liviu E. , Resiga Daniela , Pode Vasile
Published: May 2010

The paper presents results concerning the synthesis and characterisation of some unsymmetrical diesters of adipic acid with a mixed, complex structure in order to produce synthetic ester oils with specific tribological properties. These complex diesters have been synthesised by taking into account medium and superior aliphatic alcohols, such as n‐butanol, n‐hexanol, 2‐ethyl‐hexanol, isodecanol and isotridecanol along with special alcohols of a complex alkyl–aryl nature, namely 2‐phenoxy‐ethanol, 2‐([o‐sec butyl] phenoxy) ethanol and 2‐([p‐nonyl] phenoxy) ethanol, respectively. By varying the length of the aliphatic alcohols and also by modifying the length and position of the alkyl pendant group on the aromatic ring of the complex alkyl–aryl alcohols, three series of products have been realised. On the basis of this programme, it has been possible to obtain fluid products that show valuable tribological features with adequate and versatile characteristics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymeric Platinum(II) Bipyridine Dithiolate Complexes: Exploring the Influence of Macromolecular Outer Spheres on Solvatochromism with UV–Vis Spectroscopy
Authors: Smith Adam P. , Fraser Cassandra L.
Published: May 2010

Solvatochromic properties were investigated for a series of Pt(bpyR2)(tdt) complexes where bpyR2 represents a polymeric 4,4′‐disubstituted bipyridine (bpy) ligand of the form bpyPEG2 (ester or ether linkage), bpyPCL2, bpyPMMA2, or bpy(PCL)(PMMA) (tdt, toluene‐3,4‐dithiolate; PEG, poly(ethylene glycol); PCL, poly(ε‐caprolactone); and PMMA, poly(methyl methacrylate). Previously reported trends for small molecule analogues [i.e., Pt(dbbpy)(tdt), where dbbpy = 4,4′‐di‐t‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine] were not closely followed with many of these polymeric samples due to the influence of the outer sphere, and thus, local electronic environment of the metal center, by the substituted polymer chains. Absorption spectra for precursor polymeric Pt(bpy)Cl2 complexes shifted as expected based on the electronic nature of substituents on the bipyridine, however the solvated polymer outer spheres may also be playing a role.

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Equilibrium Melting Temperature of Poly(ferrocenyl dimethylsilane) in Homopolymers and Lamellar Diblock Copolymers with Polystyrene
Authors: Xu Jianjun , Bellas Vasilios , Jungnickel Bernd , Stühn Bernd , Rehahn Matthias
Published: May 2010

The equilibrium melting temperature,Tm,0, of poly(ferrocenyl dimethylsilane) (PFDMS) is re‐investigated using two PFDMS homopolymers and a PS‐b‐PFDMS copolymer (PS: polystyrene). The melting temperatures of samples crystallized at different crystallization temperatures,Tc, were found to depend in a nonlinear fashion onTc. Consequently, the Hoffmann–Weeks approach fails in determiningTm,0. The more reliable Gibbs–Thomson approach results in aTm,0 = (215 ± 11) °C for the PFDMS homopolymers, and aTm,0 = (179 ± 5) °C for the PFDMS microphases in the lamellar PS‐b‐PFDMS diblock copolymer.

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Unique continuation for positive solutions of degenerate elliptic equations
Authors: Di Fazio Giuseppe , Zamboni Pietro
Published: May 2010

We establish the strong unique continuation property for positive weak solutions to degenerate quasilinear elliptic equations. The degeneracy is given by a suitable power of a strong A∞ weight (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Locally compact (2, 2)‐transformation groups
Authors: Di Bartolo Alfonso , Falcone Giovanni , Strambach Karl
Published: May 2010

We determine all locally compact imprimitive transformation groups acting sharply 2‐transitively on a non‐totally disconnected quotient space of blocks inducing on any block a sharply 2‐transitive group and satisfying the following condition: if Δ1, Δ2 are two distinct blocks and Pi, Qi ∈ Δi (i = 1, 2), then there is just one element in the inertia subgroup which maps Pi onto Qi. These groups are natural generalizations of the group of affine mappings of the line over the algebra of dual numbers over the field of real or complex numbers or over the skew‐field of quaternions. For imprimitive locally compact groups, our results correspond to the classical results of Kalscheuer for primitive locally compact groups (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A historical analysis of the relationship between encephalitis lethargica and postencephalitic parkinsonism: A complex rather than a direct relationship
Authors: Vilensky Joel A. , Gilman Sid , McCall Sherman
Published: May 2010

Postencephalitic parkinsonism has been considered unique among disorders with parkinsonian features because it is believed to have a unitary etiology associated with the virus that presumably caused encephalitis lethargica. Careful analysis of the historical record, however, suggests that this relationship is more complex than commonly perceived. In most cases, the diagnosis of acute encephalitis lethargica was made post hoc, and virtually any catarrh‐like illness was considered to have represented encephalitis lethargica, often after an oral history‐taking that was undoubtedly subject to patient recall and physician bias. Also, postencephalitic parkinsonism and oculogyric crises were not recognized as sequelae to encephalitis lethargica until well after other sequelae such as movement disorders and mental disturbances had been identified (see previous paper). We suggest here that the relationship between encephalitis lethargica and postencephalitic parkinsonism is not simplistic, i.e., encephalitis lethargica was not solely responsible for the etiology of postencephalitic parkinsonism, thus aligning the latter with most other parkinsonian disorders that are now believed to have multiple causes. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Determination of the geometry of acetoxyendiynes and acetoxyenynes by NMR heteronuclear 13C1H scalar couplings and 13C NMR chemical shifts. Structural assignment of the oxylipin natural products peyssonenynes A and B
Authors: García Patricia , Martín‐Pastor Manuel , de Lera Ángel R. , Álvarez Rosana
Published: May 2010

Solution NMR methods were used for the structural characterization of the acetoxyendiyne E/Z configuration of the marine natural products peyssonenynes A and B and their synthetic analogs derived from palmitic acid. The scarcity of protons in the proximity of the olefin precluded the determination of the double bond geometry using 1H NMR methods that rely on proton–proton scalar couplings or experiments such as NOESY or ROESY. Long range 1H13C heteronuclear scalar couplings, nJCH, measured with the 2D excitation sculptured indirect detection experiment (EXSIDE) proved useful and highly reliable for the analysis of the enol acetate geometry. In addition, it was found that the chemical shift of some carbon atoms in the proximity of the olefin was also sensitive to the double bond configuration of these molecules providing an even simpler way to determine their geometry. This protocol showed its robustness by similar analysis of simpler silyl‐protected acetoxyenynes derived from fatty acids. These NMR experimental results and stereochemical predictions were rationalized by DFT calculations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of simple and robust protocols for high‐resolution lung proton MRI in mice
Authors: Zurek Magdalena , Bessaad Amine , Cieslar Katarzyna , Crémillieux Yannick
Published: May 2010

One fundamental limitation of spatial resolution for in vivo MR lung imaging is related to motion in the thoracic cavity. To overcome this limitation, several methods have been proposed, including scan‐synchronous ventilation and the cardiac gating approach. However, with cardiac and ventilation triggered techniques, the use of a predetermined and constant sequence repetition time is not possible, resulting in variable image contrast. In this study, the potential of two “constant repetition time” approaches based on retrospective self‐gating and signal averaging were investigated for lung imaging. Image acquisitions were performed at a very short echo time for visualization of the lung structures and the parenchyma. Highly spatially resolved images acquired using retrospective self‐gating, signal averaging technique and conventional cardiorespiratory gating are presented and compared. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localized measurement of atherosclerotic plaque inflammatory burden with dynamic contrast–enhanced MRI
Authors: Chen Huijun , Cai Jianming , Zhao Xihai , Underhill Hunter , Ota Hideki , Oikawa Minako , Dong Li , Yuan Chun , Kerwin William S.
Published: May 2010

Inflammation plays an important role in progression and rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. Dynamic contrast–enhanced MRI has been proposed as a tool to evaluate inflammation in vivo by measuring the transfer constant and partial plasma volume, which are influenced by inflammation. This study sought to demonstrate the ability of dynamic contrast–enhanced MRI to provide localized measurements of transfer constant and partial plasma volume within plaque regions of different compositions. In order to do that, a highly automatic procedure for localized measurement of dynamic contrast–enhanced MRI parameters was developed. In 47 subjects, the average transfer constant and partial plasma volume were highest in loose matrix and fibrous tissue and substantially lower in intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid rich/necrotic core, and calcification. In addition, except for hemorrhage and calcification, statistically significant differences of transfer constant and partial plasma volume were observed for any pair of these components. This suggests that transfer constant and partial plasma volume could be helpful to differentiate different plaque components and that dynamic contrast–enhanced MRI has the potential to assess inflammatory burden in specific regions. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical evaluation of diffusion‐weighted imaging of the human kidney
Authors: Wittsack Hans‐Jörg , Lanzman Rotem S. , Mathys Christian , Janssen Hendrik , Mödder Ulrich , Blondin Dirk
Published: May 2010

The signal of diffusion‐weighted imaging of the human kidney differs from the signal in brain examinations due to the different microscopic structure of the tissue. In the kidney, the deviation of the signal behavior of monoexponential characteristics is pronounced. The aim of the study was to analyze whether a mono‐ or biexponential or a distribution function model fits best to describe diffusion characteristics in the kidney. To determine the best regression, different statistical parameters were utilized: correlation coefficient (R2), Akaike's information criterion, Schwarz criterion, and F‐test (Fratio). Additionally, simulations were performed to analyze the relation between the different models and their dependency on signal noise. Statistical tests showed that the biexponential model describes the signal of diffusion‐weighted imaging in the kidney better than the distribution function model. The monoexponential model fits the diffusion‐weighted imaging data the least but is the most robust against signal noise. From a statistical point of view, diffusion‐weighted imaging of the kidney should be modeled biexponentially under the precondition of sufficient signal to noise. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mixed incontinence: Comparing definitions in non‐surgical patients
Authors: Brubaker Linda , Lukacz Emily S. , Burgio Kathryn , Zimmern Philippe , Norton Peggy , Leng Wendy , Johnson Harry , Kraus Stephen , Stoddard Anne
Published: May 2010

Purpose

We aimed to explore operational definitions of mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) for use in incontinence outcomes research for non‐surgical patient populations.

Methods

A secondary analysis of women with urge incontinence or urge predominant MUI enrolled in the Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network BE‐DRI randomized clinical trial was performed. Subjects were characterized at baseline for urinary incontinence severity and incontinence subtype (stress or urge) using the Medical, Epidemiologic, and Social Aspects of Aging (MESA) questionnaire, the Urogenital Distress Inventory, and a 7‐day urinary diary. Various different definitions of MUI, ranging from low to high threshold, were created using a combination of these baseline incontinence measures. Prevalence of MUI based on each definition was described and compared to treatment response. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the study outcomes and the different definitions of MUI.

Results

The 307 participants in the BE‐DRI study had a mean age of 56.9 (±13.9) years with a mean total MESA score of 21.7 (±8.9) and a mean total UDI score of 120.5 (±49.6). The proportion of women diagnosed with MUI varied significantly by definition ranging from 63.5% to 96.4%. Low threshold symptom‐based definitions resulted in nearly universal diagnosis of MUI. No strict cut‐off value for these baseline measures was identified to predict clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Current MUI definitions do not adequately categorize clinically relevant UI subgroups. For research purposes we believe it necessary to describe the severity of each incontinence subtype separately in subjects with MUI. Neurourol. Urodyn. 30:47–51, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pelvic floor muscle training in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lúcio Adélia Correia , Campos Renata Martins , Perissinotto Maria Carolina , Miyaoka Ricardo , Damasceno Benito Pereira , D'ancona Carlos Arturo Levi
Published: May 2010

Aims

Evaluate the role of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) on the treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (LUTD) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, twenty seven female patients with a diagnosis of MS and LUTD complaints were randomized, in two groups: Treatment group (GI) (N = 13) and Sham group (GII) (N = 14). Evaluation included urodynamic study, 24‐hr Pad testing, three day voiding diary and pelvic floor evaluation according to PERFECT scheme. Intervention was performed twice a week for 12 weeks in both groups. GI intervention consisted of PFMT with assistance of a vaginal perineometer. GII received a sham treatment consisted on the introduction of a perineometer inside the vagina with no contraction required.

Results

At the end of the treatment GI was complaining less about storage and voiding symptoms than GII. Furthermore, differences found between groups were: reduction of pad weight (P = 0.00) (Mean: 87,51 grams initial and 6,03 grams final in GI. 69,46 grams initial and 75,88 grams final in GII), number of pads (P = 0.01) (Mean: 3,61 initial and 2,15 final in GI. 3,42 initial and 3,28 final in GII) and nocturia events (P < 0.00) (Mean: 2,38 initial and 0,46 final in GI. 2,55 initial and 2,47 final in GII) and improvements of muscle power (P = 0.00), endurance (P < 0.00), resistance (P < 0.00) and fast contractions (P < 0.00), domains of PERFECT scheme.

Conclusions

PFMT is an effective approach to treat LUTD in female with MS. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:1410–1413, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Second‐order treatment of the interface of domain decomposition method for parabolic problems
Authors: Jun Younbae , Mai Tsun‐Zee
Published: May 2010

Estimations for the values on interface lines are necessary in a domain decomposition method. However, the accuracy of the estimations is of the first order for most of unconditionally stable domain decomposition schemes. In this paper, a second order of accuracy for the estimations on interface lines is presented. With the new scheme, the optimal number of decomposed subdomains has been observed and proposed. Moreover when the SOR iterative method is used, the optimal over‐relaxation parameter is also studied. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethics and leadership: Enablers and stumbling blocks
Authors: April Kurt , Peters Kai , Locke Kirsten , Mlambo Caroline
Published: May 2010

Many of the scandals, indiscretions and collapses, over the last few years, at formerly venerated organizations were the results of toxic relationships, dubious economic models, opaque workplace paradigms, as well as questionable collective and individual actions and behaviours of people who, ordinarily, would not be considered ‘typically criminal’. The individuals involved have typically been people with good education, caring parents, were community contributors and, by all accounts, appeared to be upstanding members of society. Their involvement, therefore, in corrupt acts and relationships thus brings a numbers of issues under question—an important one of which is their ethical maturity, and the forming of that ethical development through important societal institutions such as: religion, education and the family. We set out to understand what some of the stumbling blocks were that prevent individuals from courageously acting on their sometimes vast bases of theoretical/common knowledge with respect to ethics and morals, but which has not yet become common practice. Additionally, we also sought to understand what the various enablers were for individuals who were able to live and act ethically, to further enhance such ethical and moral living and working. Our research sample was 646 middle managers who were all enrolled on the MBA programs of the University of Cape Town (South Africa) and Erasmus University (Netherlands). The research respondents self‐reported on both the stumbling blocks and enablers, through writing up their personal experiences for our research. They also reported on what some of the practical actions were that they employed to live and work ethically.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring performance status in pediatric patients with brain tumors—experience of the HIT‐GBM‐C protocol
Authors: Wolff Johannes E. A. , Mohiuddin Kamran , Jorch Norbert , Graf Norbert , Wagner Sabine , Vats Tribahwan , Gnekow Astrid
Published: May 2010

Background

Measuring the quality of life or performance status in pediatric neurooncology has proven a challenge. Here, we report in a treatment protocol for pediatric patients with high‐grade glioma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.

Procedure

The Fertigkeitenskala Münster–Heidelberg (FMH) is a 56‐item quantitative measure of health status. The number of yes answers is transformed to age‐dependent percentiles. Physicians were also asked the patients' health status by their own judgment on a 1–5 scale: normal, mild handicap, age‐normal activity severely reduced but patient not in bed, in bed, and in ICU.

Results

Assessments were available from 50 of 97 eligible patients. For 22 patients both questionnaire and the physicians score obtained. At the beginning of the treatment, only 5 patients scored over 40 FMH%, and 4 of these survived. Of 16 patients who initially scored less than 40 FMH%, 15 died. During later assessments, most FMH measures became gradually worse. FMH scores improved in three patients. The physician's judgment was documented at diagnosis and during treatment (n = 50). Per physician, 22% of the patients were normal before chemotherapy, decreasing to 16% in the middle of the protocol. At diagnosis only 16% of patients had severely reduced activity, which increased to 30.6% in the middle of the protocol. The FMH% correlated well with the physicians' judgments (P < 0.005).

Conclusion

The FMH scale is easily obtained and provides a valid assessment of health status. Patients with poor performance at diagnosis had a poorer prognosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:520–524. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial testing (stage 1) of AZD6244 (ARRY‐142886) by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Kolb E. Anders , Gorlick Richard , Houghton Peter J. , Morton Christopher L. , Neale Geoffrey , Keir Stephen T. , Carol Hernan , Lock Richard , Phelps Doris , Kang Min H. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Maris John M. , Billups Catherine , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: May 2010

Background

AZD6244 (ARRY‐142886) is a potent small molecule inhibitor of MEK1/2 that is in phase 2 clinical development.

Procedures

AZD6244 was tested against the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP) in vitro panel (1 nM–10 µM). In vivo AZD6244 was tested at a dose of 100 mg/kg administered orally twice daily 5 days per week for 6 weeks. Subsequently, AZD6244 was evaluated against two juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) xenografts using once and twice daily dosing schedules. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was used as a surrogate for in vivo inhibition of MEK1/2 was determined by immunoblotting.

Results

At the highest concentration used in vitro (10 µM) AZD6244 only inhibited growth by 50% in 5 of the 23 cell lines. Against the in vivo tumor panels, AZD6244 induced significant differences in EFS distribution in 10 of 37 (27%) solid tumor models and 0 of 6 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) models. There were no objective responses. Pharmacodynamic studies indicated at this dose and schedule AZD6244 completely inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation. AZD6244 was evaluated against two JPA xenografts, BT‐35 (wild‐type BRAF) and BT‐40 (mutant [V600E] BRAF). BT‐40 xenografts were highly sensitive to AZD6244, whereas BT‐35 xenografts progressed on AZD6244 treatment.

Conclusions

At the dose and schedule of administration used, AZD6244 as a single agent had limited in vitro and in vivo activity against the PPTP tumor panels despite inhibition of MEK1/2 activity. However, AZD6244 was highly active against BT‐40 JPA xenografts that harbor constitutively activated BRAF, causing complete regressions. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:668–677. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ventricular diastolic dysfunction in sickle cell anemia is common but not associated with myocardial iron deposition
Authors: Hankins Jane S. , McCarville Mary Beth , Hillenbrand Claudia M. , Loeffler Ralf B. , Ware Russell E. , Song Ruitian , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Joshi Vijaya
Published: May 2010

Background

Cardiac failure from myocardial iron deposition is a severe complication in patients with transfusion‐related iron overload. Progressive heart damage from iron overload can cause left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with hematologic disorders. Since nontransfused patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have a high incidence of diastolic dysfunction, we investigated the relationships among transfusional iron burden, myocardial iron deposition, and diastolic ventricular dysfunction by T2*‐MRI and tissue Doppler echocardiography in iron‐overloaded children with SCA.

Procedure

Children (≥7 years) with SCA and iron overload (serum ferritin >1,000 ng/ml or ≥18 lifetime transfusions) were eligible. Serum ferritin and hepatic iron content (HIC) were measured and participants underwent nonsedated T2*‐MRI of the heart, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and multi‐uptake gated acquisition (MUGA) scan. Age‐matched normative echocardiographic data were used for comparison.

Results

Among 30 children with SCA (median age, 13 years) and iron overload, mean (±SD) HIC and serum ferritin were 10.8 mg Fe/g (±5.9 mg Fe/g) and 3,089 ng/ml (±2,167 ng/ml), respectively. Mean T2*‐MRI was 33 msec (±7 msec, range, 22–49). Echocardiography showed a high prevalence of diastolic dysfunction (77% and 45% abnormally low mean mitral annular velocity and mean tricuspid annular velocity, respectively); however, echocardiogram and MUGA scan findings were not significantly associated with HIC or T2*‐MRI.

Conclusions

Diastolic dysfunction is not associated with transfusional iron burden or myocardial iron deposition among children with SCA. Diastolic dysfunction likely results from disease pathophysiology and severity rather than iron overload. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:495–500. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compound heterozygosity for two new TERT mutations in a patient with aplastic anemia
Authors: Aspesi Anna , Vallero Stefano , Rocci Alberto , Pavesi Elisa , Lanciotti Marina , Ramenghi Ugo , Dianzani Irma
Published: May 2010

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a genetically heterogeneous syndrome characterized by reticular skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, mucosal leukoplakia, short telomeres, and a predisposition to bone marrow failure and malignancy. Patients carrying mutations in TERT show a wide clinical spectrum of abnormalities, including classical DC, isolated bone marrow failure and lung fibrosis. Here, we report the clinical description and biological analysis of a patient with compound heterozygosity for two new missense mutations in TERT (V96L and V119L). Both mutations segregate with a short telomere phenotype, though only V96L segregates with clinical signs of DC. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:550–553. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of daily medication adherence among children with sickle cell disease: A 1‐year retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Patel Niti G. , Lindsey Terianne , Strunk Robert C. , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: May 2010

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of adherence to daily medications among children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Prescription records for 12 months were obtained from participants who had insurance in a Medicaid‐based single health maintenance organization. Adherence was measured as a ratio between the number of expected days and the observed days between two refill periods for daily medications. A total of 93 children were studied. The average refill prescription rate was 58.4%. More formal strategies are required to identify barriers to prescription refills among children with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:554–556. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced anticorrosion coatings prepared from incorporation of well‐dispersed silica nanoparticles into fluorinated polyimide matrix
Authors: Hung Wei‐I , Weng Chang‐Jian , Lin Yen‐Hao , Chung Pei‐Ju , Tsai Sheng‐Feng , Yeh Jui‐Ming , Tsai Mei‐Hui
Published: May 2010

Series of advanced anticorrosive hybrid coatings comprising of organo‐soluble fluorinated polyimide (SFPI) matrix dispersed with different feeding ratio of inorganic silica (SiO2) nanoparticles has been successfully prepared through a conventional chemical imidization of polyimide and acid catalyzed sol–gel process of TEOS. It should be noted that the incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles into the SFPI matrix can effectively enhance the corrosion protection performance on cold‐rolled steel (CRS) electrode against corrosive species in saline condition when compared with that of neat polymeric coatings based on a series of standard electrochemical corrosion measurements, such as corrosion potential, polarization resistance, corrosion current, and impedance spectroscopy. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:2025–2034, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Kinetics and crystal structure of poly(lactic acid) crystallized nonisothermally: Effect of plasticizer and nucleating agent
Authors: Xiao Hanwen , Yang Li , Ren Xiaomin , Jiang Tao , Yeh Jen‐Taut
Published: May 2010

The kinetics of neat poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and its composites with triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and/or talc crystallized nonisothermally at different cooling rates of 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10°C/min was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and described by Avrami equation and combined Avrami‐Ozawa equation. The results showed that talc acted as PLA nucleating agent accelerated crystallization rate by decreasing the crystallization half‐time t1/2 or rate parameter F(T), whereas TPP acted as PLA plasticizer decreased crystallization rate. For neat PLA and plasticized PLA, the average values of Avrami exponent n were almost close to each other, but added TPP decreased crystallization rate constant k. As for PLA composites with talc, the crystallization process was relatively complex, and was divided into three regimes. At a given cooling rate, the value of n2 was almost larger than that that of n1 or n3, whereas the value of k2 was less than that of k1 or k3. The effective activation energy ΔEx calculated from Friedman formula increased with the increase of relative crystallinity and TPP content, whereas decreased with the presence of talc. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction verified that all samples crystallized nonisothermally in cooling rate range of 1–10°C/min form α‐form. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:2057–2068, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polyetheretherketone composites reinforced with surface modified mica
Authors: Parvaiz M. Rahail , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K. , Mahanwar P. A.
Published: May 2010

Mica fillers reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites were fabricated using compression molding technique. To improve embedding of the mica within the PEEK matrix, the mica surface was chemically modified using vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTMO), at variable concentration (0–1.5 wt%). The performance characteristics and treated mica PEEK at mica loading of 20 wt% composites were examined in terms of scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and modulated differential scanning calorimetry. The tensile strength and modulus improved to the tune of 81 and 44% with treated mica‐filled PEEK composites. Mechanical tests revealed improved properties of VTMO‐treated mica/PEEK composites, which confirmed improved interfacial adhesion with chemical treatment. The increment of the dynamic modulus for the treated mica PEEK composites was also noticed to 82% as compared with untreated counterpart, at elevated temperatures of 250°C, indicating apparent improvement of high‐temperature mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:2121–2128, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia must identify ‘apparently mild’ CYP21A2 alleles which associate neonatal salt‐wasting disease
Authors: Ezquieta Begoña , Santomé Luis , Barrio Raquel , Barrionuevo Jose L. , López‐Siguero Juan P. , Oliver Antonio , Ramírez Joaquín , Rodríguez Ildefonso , Muñoz‐Pacheco Rafael
Published: May 2010

Objective

Couples at risk of severe congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) may be offered prenatal treatment or preimplantation diagnosis. However, proper genetic counselling requires the accurate identification of apparently ‘mild alleles’ in partners of CAH‐carriers/patients.

Methods

CYP21A2 gene analyses were performed in 255 patients with severe 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21‐OHD), 94 with mild 21‐OHD, 752 parental samples, 233 clinically unaffected partners and 253 historic DNA samples. GENSCAN and ClustalX2.0 software were used for in silico analyses, and Epidat 3.1 software for statistical calculations.

Results

Twenty‐seven partners were carriers of p.Val282Leu (alias p.Val281Leu, allele frequency 11.7%, 7.4–16.1). ‘Val282Leu alleles’ were detected in 30 patients with salt‐wasting (SW) disease, 21 with other pseudogene‐derived and rare coding cis severe mutations, and 9 without. These CYP21A2 genes were compared to those of 94 fully characterized patients with mild deficiency carrying p.Val282Leu in compound heterozygosity with a severe allele. A rare intronic variant, c.292+5G>A, was detected in the nine ‘severe Val282Leu alleles’ and that was not seen in mild p.Val282Leu alleles, in other deficient alleles or in normal chromosomes. The in silico documented effect on splicing and the clinical association (p < 0.0001) confirmed p.Val282Leu; c.292+5G>A as a severe allele.

Conclusion

As only severe alleles require clinical intervention, CAH‐carrier detection of p.Val282Leu should be followed by the analysis of c.292+5G>A. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of universal mRNA markers for noninvasive prenatal screening of trisomies
Authors: Picchiassi Elena , Coata Giuliana , Centra Michela , Pennacchi Luana , Bini Vittorio , Di Renzo Gian Carlo
Published: May 2010

Objective

The discovery of placental transcripts in peripheral blood of pregnant women prompted us to investigate which was the most appropriate biological specimen, between plasma and serum, to easily detect them and to exploit hPL (human placental lactogen), βhCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin β‐subunit), LOC90625, and TFPI2 (tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2) levels in order to establish whether an abnormal variation degree of presence of these placental transcripts are likely to be associated to specific fetal trisomies.

Method

RNA was extracted from plasma and serum samples of 255 pregnant women bearing euploid fetuses, 17 bearing fetuses affected by trisomy 21 and 10 with fetuses affected by trisomy 18. Placental transcript analysis was performed by real time RT‐PCR using relative quantification.

Results

Results obtained from euploid samples showed that fetal transcripts were more abundant in plasma than in serum samples. Euploid samples had a placental transcript abundance distinguishable from those with trisomy 21 but not from those with trisomy 18. In particular, high βhCG abundance and advanced maternal age were significantly associated with trisomy 21 pregnancy.

Conclusion

Plasma was the most suitable tool to be employed in the detection and dosage of placental transcripts. βhCG transcript together with maternal age could be a potential marker for noninvasive prenatal screening of fetal trisomy 21. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacoepidemiology of patients hospitalized for somatoform disorders in psychiatric hospitals and departments
Authors: Mundt Adrian , Ströhle Andreas , Heimann Hannah , Heinz Andreas , Grohmann Renate
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Pharmacological treatment is used in patients with somatoform disorders (SD) although the empirical evidence is scarce. We evaluated the current pharmacological treatment strategies used for psychiatric in‐patients diagnosed with SD in Central Europe.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data of the pharmacological treatment, age, gender, and the primary psychiatric diagnosis of 70 566 in‐patients were collected on 2 days in April and October of the years 1994–2006 in 57 psychiatric hospitals and departments.

Results

Three hundred fifty nine patients corresponding to 0.51% of the psychiatric in‐patient population were hospitalized for SD. 94.7% of the SD patients received psychopharmacological treatment including antidepressants (78.2%), neuroleptics (43.3%), tranquilizers (22.6%), hypnotics (15.6%), and anticonvulsants (12.3%). 61.3% were treated with psychotropic combinations, most commonly antidepressant and neuroleptic (36.2%). In addition, 63.7% received one or multiple somatic medications.

Discussion

As compared to general medical and neurological in‐patient populations, SD patients represent a small proportion of the psychiatric in‐patient population. They commonly receive multiple psychotropic and somatic medications. The psychotropics used have predominantly sedating characteristics.

Conclusion

SD patients are at risk of polypharmacy in psychiatry. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Condensation of alkoxysilanes in alcoholic media: II. Oligomerization of aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane and co‐oligomerization with dimethyldiethoxysilane
Authors: Bennevault‐Celton Véronique , Maciejak Olek , Desmazières Bernard , Cheradame Hervé
Published: May 2010

In the context of the preservation of cultural heritage, the treatment of paper by an aminoalkylalkoxysilane, or its mixture with dimethyldiethoxysilane (DMDES), gave encouraging results. The condensation experiments presented here, carried out in alcohol medium using aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane (AMDES) alone or with DMDES, were followed using 1H NMR, 29Si NMR and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI TOF) spectroscopies. The aim was to determine whether DMDES and AMDES could copolymerize under the conditions used. An exchange reaction was observed for AMDES in ethanol in the absence of water, under conditions where no exchange took place for DMDES. In methanol, this reaction proceeded much more rapidly and the reactivity of methoxysilyl groups was higher than that of ethoxysilyl groups. In the same solvent, in the presence of water, hydrolysis, cyclization and oligomerization were observed using NMR and MALDI TOF spectroscopies. In ethanol, a kinetic study of a mixture of DMDES and AMDES showed that the condensation of the two monomers proceeded at comparables rates and MALDI‐TOF analysis gave evidence that mixed oligomers were produced, containing from one to four AMDES units. It was concluded that the co‐oligomerization did not lead to a mixture of homo‐oligomers, which would be due to different hydrolysis and condensation kinetics, but induced the formation of co‐oligomers. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
A deep insight into the mechanism of the acid‐catalyzed rearrangement of the Z‐phenylhydrazone of 5‐amino‐3‐benzoyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole in a non‐polar solvent
Authors: D'Anna Francesca , Fontana Gianfranco , Frenna Vincenzo , Macaluso Gabriella , Marullo Salvatore , Spinelli Domenico
Published: May 2010

The conversion of the Z‐phenylhydrazone of 5‐amino‐3‐benzoyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole (1a) into the relevant 1,2,3‐triazole (2a) has been quantitatively studied in toluene in the presence of several halogenoacetic acids (HAAs, 3a–h). Again, the occurrence of two reaction pathways has been pointed out: they require one or two moles of acid, respectively, thus repeating the situation previously observed in the presence of trichloroacetic acid. The observed rate constant ratios (kIII/kII) are only slightly affected by the nature of the acid used. To gain a deeper insight into the action of the acids used we have measured the association constants of the HAAs (3a–h) with 4‐nitroaniline (4) in toluene. Also in this case, the formation of two complexes requiring one (K2) or two (K3) moles of acid has been evidenced, but now the K3/K2 ratios are significantly affected by the strength of the acid examined. The variation of the K3/K2 ratios larger than those concerning the kIII/kII ratios appears useful to enlighten the very nature of the acid‐catalyzed pathways in toluene, which has been elucidated also carrying out the rearrangement in the presence of mixtures of tribromo‐ and trichloro‐acetic acids at different concentrations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The valence of attentional bias and cancer‐related rumination in posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth among women with breast cancer
Authors: Chan Michelle W. C. , Ho Samuel M. Y. , Tedeschi Richard G. , Leung Carmen W. L.
Published: May 2010

Objective: To examine the effects of self‐reported attentional bias on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG) through the potential mediator of cancer‐related rumination.

Design: A cross‐sectional survey design was used and women with breast cancer (N=170) were recruited.

Measures: Attentional biases, cancer‐related ruminations, PTSD symptoms, and PTG were assessed.

Results: Negative attentional bias and negative cancer‐related rumination were positively related to PTSD symptoms following cancer diagnosis and treatments, but they were not related to PTG. Positive attentional bias and positive cancer‐related rumination were positively related to PTG, but positive attentional bias was not related to PTSD symptoms. Findings showed that negative cancer‐related rumination partially mediated the relationship between negative attentional bias and PTSD symptoms, while positive cancer‐related rumination partially mediated the relationship between positive attentional bias and PTG.

Conclusion: Findings support that there are differential trajectories to PTSD symptoms and PTG with respect to different valence of habitual attentional style and cancer‐related rumination. They may serve as potential therapeutic leverages in the alleviation of PTSD symptoms and facilitation of PTG following cancer diagnosis and treatments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological well‐being outcomes in disease‐free survivors of mid‐low rectal cancer following curative surgery
Authors: Serpentini Samantha , Del Bianco Paola , Alducci Elisa , Toppan Paola , Ferretti Francesca , Folin Marcella , De Salvo Gian Luca , Nitti Donato , Pucciarelli Salvatore
Published: May 2010

Objective: The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate psychological well‐being outcomes in disease‐free survivors who previously underwent radical surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma.

Methods: All patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent primary surgery at a single institution from 1990 to 2002 were considered for inclusion in the study. We identified and sent questionnaires to 145 patients after excluding those who had died or had recurrent disease. One hundred and seventeen patients (men/women: 74/43; median age: 65 years) returned the questionnaires. Patients' well being was evaluated using the Psychological General Well‐Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaire. The mean PGWBI score was compared with normative data of the general population. The impact of patient‐, tumor‐ and treatment‐related factors on patients' long‐term psychological well‐being status was also evaluated.

Results: Compared with the general population, study patients had significantly better anxiety, depressed mood, positive well being, general health, vitality scales and global index scores. On multivariate analysis, positive well being was independently affected by time from diagnosis (36 months; p=0.025) and occurrence of early major complications (p=0.024). Variables that were independently associated with worse self‐control included primary education (p=0.04) and the presence of fecal urgency (p=0.049). General health was negatively affected by time from diagnosis (36 months; p=0.047) and fecal urgency (p=0.009).

Conclusions: Patients who have survived cancer are likely to re‐evaluate the importance of everyday events and this may explain why they had better PGWBI scores. This study also identified that a short time from diagnosis, early adverse events and bowel dysfunction had a negative impact on patients' well being. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interdisciplinary collaboration in the pursuit of science to improve psychosocial cancer care
Authors: McCorkle Ruth
Published: May 2010

Objective: Drawing on her substantial research experience in oncology and nursing, the 2009 Fox Award winner, Dr McCorkle, describes ways to advance the science of psychosocial oncology through collaboration.

Methods: Critical literature illustrating barriers to collaboration and successful collaborative process are reviewed and compared to the author's personal experiences.

Results: Currently, many researchers are beginning to see the need for collaboration, and yet many infrastructures, universities, and centers continue to create isolated researchers and research environments. Despite the need, there is a dearth of practical and tangible guidelines as well as theoretical defenses for performing collaborative research. This article addresses these gaps with such insights as the need for a team of experts built on humility and trust, pre‐ and post‐study networks across disciplines and settings, consistent meetings of staff as well as resources to support them, intervention monitoring techniques, and the crucial necessity for a stable institutionalized infrastructure that fosters collaboration, research and mentoring despite inevitable personnel turnover.

Conclusions: These insights that stem from the distinctive nursing lens provide crucial methods for advancing the science and addressing the uniquely interdisciplinary nature of oncology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermochemistry and Thermodynamics of Trinitrophloroglucinol Dissolved in DMF and EtOH at 298.15 K
Authors: Yang Li , Xue Bing , Wang Shengsheng , Zhang Tonglai , Zhang Jianguo
Published: May 2010

The enthalpies of solution of 2,4,6‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐trihydroxybenzene (trinitrophloroglucinol, TNPG) in N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and EtOH are determined. The thermodynamics of these processes are also studied. The experiments are carried out by a SETARAM C80 calorimeter at 298.15 K. The empirical formulas for enthalpies of solution of TNPG in both DMF and EtOH are calculated by polynomial expressions. The resulting formulas are: $\rm{\Delta _{{\rm{sol}}} H = - 97.23375 + 1646.78192b^{{1 \mathord{\bigg/ {\vphantom {1 2}} \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 2}} - 6903.38866b}$ (in DMF), and $\rm{\Delta _{{\rm{sol}}} H = 93.19133 - 1731.03621b^{{1 \mathord{\bigg/ {\vphantom {1 2}} \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 2}} + 8016.6928b}$ (in EtOH).
Automated electron‐density sampling reveals widespread conformational polymorphism in proteins
Authors: Lang P. Therese , Ng Ho‐Leung , Fraser James S. , Corn Jacob E. , Echols Nathaniel , Sales Mark , Holton James M. , Alber Tom
Published: May 2010

Although proteins populate large structural ensembles, X‐ray diffraction data are traditionally interpreted using a single model. To search for evidence of alternate conformers, we developed a program, Ringer, which systematically samples electron density around the dihedral angles of protein side chains. In a diverse set of 402 structures, Ringer identified weak, nonrandom electron‐density features that suggest of the presence of hidden, lowly populated conformations for >18% of uniquely modeled residues. Although these peaks occur at electron‐density levels traditionally regarded as noise, statistically significant (P < 10−5) enrichment of peaks at successive rotameric χ angles validates the assignment of these features as unmodeled conformations. Weak electron density corresponding to alternate rotamers also was detected in an accurate electron density map free of model bias. Ringer analysis of the high‐resolution structures of free and peptide‐bound calmodulin identified shifts in ensembles and connected the alternate conformations to ligand recognition. These results show that the signal in high‐resolution electron density maps extends below the traditional 1 σ cutoff, and crystalline proteins are more polymorphic than current crystallographic models. Ringer provides an objective, systematic method to identify previously undiscovered alternate conformations that can mediate protein folding and function.