bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence of multiple genotypes associated with acute gastroenteritis during 6‐year survey of norovirus infection in Japan
Authors: Okame Michio , Akihara Shiho , Hansman Grant , Hainian Yan , Thien Tuan Tran Huy , Phan Tung Gia , Yagyu Fumihiro , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: August 2006

Norovirus (NoV) is recognized as one of the most common causative agent of diarrheal disease in young children worldwide. The current study was undertaken to determine the distribution of NoV genotypes in Japan. A total of 3,864 fecal specimens from children with acute gastroenteritis in five regions (Tokyo, Maizuru, Saga, Sapporo, and Osaka) of Japan from July 1995 to June 2001 were collected and then tested for the presence of NoV by RT‐PCR. Three hundred sixty four were found to be positive for NoV, accounting for 11%. The highest prevalence of NoV infection was in November, December, and January as the early winter months in Japan. NoV was subjected to be further characterized to sequencing analysis. All NoVs belonged to two different genogroups I and II and these represented 3% and 97%, respectively. This finding indicated that NoV genogroup II was the dominant group causing acute gastroenteritis in Japan. Interestingly, NoV strains were classified into 16 distinct genotypes including genogroup II genotype 9 that was firstly identified in Japan. Of these, NoV genogroup II genotypes 3 and 4 dominated over other genotypes and became the leading strains in Japanese pediatric population. In conclusion, diarrhea due to NoV infection is still a health burden in Japan. This report also stresses the great genetic diversity as well as the importance of NoV causing the diarrhea in Japan. J. Med. Virol. 78:1318–1324, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of the transcriptional control region of JC polyomavirus in cerebrospinal fluid from HIV‐negative patients with progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy
Authors: Fedele Cesare Giovanni , Polo Carolina , Tenorio Antonio , Niubò Jordi , Ciardi Maria Rosa , Pérez José Luis
Published: August 2006

The human polyomavirus JC (JCV) is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). JCV has a hyper‐variable non‐coding transcriptional control region (TCR), which contains the origin of replication and the promoters of viral transcription and replication. The archetype form of TCR‐JCV is frequently found in the urine and kidneys of healthy and immunocompromised subjects. However, the rearranged forms, possibly generated by deletion and duplication of segments of the archetype sequence, are found in the peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain of PML patients. Most experience on this setting has come from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Little has been described on the JCV‐TCR sequences from PML‐HIV‐negative patients affected by other immunosuppressive disorders. The aim of this study was to analyze the JCV‐TCR detected in CSF samples from 12 HIV‐negative immunosuppressed patients suffering from PML and to investigate the possible role of genomic organization in the different incidences of PML in HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative patients. The results confirm that the JCV‐TCR rearrangements play a crucial role in the development of PML, although they do not account for the higher frequency of the disease in HIV infection. These data support the hypothesis that, independently of the rearrangement patterns of JCV‐TCR, the direct action of HIV together with other as yet unidentified cellular determinants can be a key to explaining the high rate of PML in HIV infection with respect to other underlying immunosuppressive conditions. J. Med. Virol. 78:1271–1275, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A cohort study of enfuvirtide immunological and virological efficacy in clinical practice
Authors: Bienvenu Boris , Krivine Anne , Rollot Florence , Pietri Marie‐Pierre , Lebault Valérie , Meritet Jean‐François , Guerin Corinne , Spiridon Gabriela , Salmon Dominique , Guillevin Loïc , Lebon Pierre , Launay Odile
Published: August 2006

The aim of the study was to evaluate, under routine circumstances, the immunological and virological efficacy of antiretroviral regimens containing enfuvirtide in multi‐class experienced HIV‐1 infected patients. This retrospective monocentric study analyzed the clinical, immunological, and virological data of 18 HIV‐1 infected patients who started enfuvirtide and completed at least 3 months of therapy. Following 3 months of enfuvirtide therapy, 11 (61%) patients had HIV‐1 RNA below 400 copies/ml, among whom 8 (44%) patients below 50 copies/ml. In the ten patients still receiving enfuvirtide after 12 months, the median increase in CD4 cell count was 159 cells/µl (range, −25 to +301) and the mean decrease in HIV‐1 RNA was 2.5 ± 1.4 log10 copies/ml; in six of these patients, viral load remained below 50 copies/ml. Five patients discontinued enfuvirtide for virological failure but none as a consequence of adverse event. Mutations located within the 36–45 amino acid domain of HR1 region of gp41 and associated to enfuvirtide resistance were found in all seven patients with persistent viral replication. In addition, a new mutation, A50V, emerged in one patient with late viral rebound. Its disappearance after treatment discontinuation suggests that it could play a role in resistance to enfuvirtide. In conclusion, enfuvirtide may be a good therapeutic option as rescue therapy in treatment‐experienced patients. However, the mutations conferring resistance to enfuvirtide develop rapidly when viral load is not controlled confirming that enfuvirtide should be prescribed in association with an active background regimen. J. Med. Virol. 78:1312–1317, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolic stress disinfection and disinfestation (MSDD): a new, non‐thermal, residue‐free process for fresh agricultural products
Authors: Lagunas‐Solar Manuel C , Essert Timothy K , Piña U Cecilia , Zeng Nolan X , Truong Tin D
Published: August 2006

Physical manipulations generating cycles of expansion and compression forces were combined with low vapor concentrations of natural disinfecting chemicals to disinfect and disinfest simultaneously and rapidly fresh agricultural products. Lethality in various fungi, plant and human pathogens and in all biological stages of selected arthropods was demonstrated with fresh fruits and vegetables. The combined process modifies the respiratory metabolism, affects biological structures, causes displacement of the O2/CO2 gaseous equilibrium and induces chemical toxicity at the cellular level. In aerobic microbes, oxygen metabolism is rapidly disrupted, causing biocidal effects. In larval, pupal and adult insect stages, irreversible structural damage of the tracheal system prevents the formation and causes the elimination of air reserves. In arthropod eggs, damage in essential structural features and dehydration of the chorion affect their ability to diffuse and use oxygen. The MSDD process is rapid (<4 h), effective (100% insect controls, >5 log10 microbial reduction), reproducible, practical, economically competitive and applicable to large volumes of commodities. It causes minimal or no sensory/functional effects in host commodities. If developed commercially, it can be a single alternative to a broad spectrum of post‐harvest pesticides for disinfection and a likely alternative to methyl bromide fumigation or to irradiation for the post‐harvest control of arthropods. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Biomass for energy
Authors: Bridgwater Tony
Published: August 2006

Bio‐energy is now accepted as having the potential to provide the major part of the projected renewable energy provisions of the future as biofuels in the form of gas, liquid or solid fuels or electricity and heat. There are three main routes to providing these biofuels—thermal conversion, biological conversion and physical conversion—all of which employ a range of chemical reactor configurations and designs. This review focuses on thermochemical conversion processes for their higher efficiencies, lower costs and greater versatility in providing a wide range of energy, fuel and chemical options. The technologies of gasification and fast pyrolysis are described, particularly the reactors that have been developed to provide the necessary conditions to optimise performance. The primary products that can be derived as gas, liquid and solid fuels are characterised, as well as the secondary products of electricity and/or heat, liquid fuels and a considerable number of chemicals. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing expressed emotion: comparing Camberwell Family Interview and Five‐minute Speech Sample ratings for mothers of children with behaviour problems
Authors: Calam R. , Peters S.
Published: August 2006

Little is known of the concordance between ratings of expressed emotion (EE) derived from the Camberwell Family Interview (CFI) and Five‐minute Speech Sample (FMSS) for parents of children with behaviour problems. Concordance between CFI and FMSS ratings of EE was assessed prior to intervention and compared to parent‐rated behaviour after intervention, at follow‐up, 12 months later. Female primary caretakers of 75 children (3–10 years) showing behavioural difficulties were interviewed using FMSS and CFI. Interviews were coded independently by criterion‐standard raters. Using CFI, 57 families were classified high EE, and 18 low EE. Using FMSS, 65 families were classified high EE and 10 low EE. 55/75 pairs of ratings (73%) were the same (high, n = 51: low, n = 4) and 20 mothers (27%) were allocated different EE status (Kappa = 0.14, n.s.). The FMSS ratings at initial interview appeared more closely related to behaviour rating at follow‐up than CFI. Further investigation is required to establish comparability of CFI and FMSS results for carers of children. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for a hallucinogen dependence syndrome developing soon after onset of hallucinogen use during adolescence
Authors: Stone A.L. , Storr C.L. , Anthony J.C.
Published: August 2006

This study uses latent class methods and multiple regression to shed light on hypothesized hallucinogen dependence syndromes experienced by young people who have recently initiated hallucinogen use. It explores possible variation in risk. The study sample, identified within public‐use data files of the 1999 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), consists of 1186 recent‐onset hallucinogen users, defined as having initiated hallucinogen use within 24 months of assessment (median elapsed time since onset of use ∼12 to 13 months). The recent‐onset users in this sample were age 12 to 21 at the time of assessment and were between the ages of 10 and 21 at the time of their first hallucinogen use. The NHSDA included items to assess seven clinical features often associated with hallucinogen dependence, which were used in latent class modelling. Latent class analysis, in conjunction with prior theory, supports a three‐class solution, with 2% of recent‐onset users in a class that resembles a hallucinogen dependence syndrome, whereas 88% expressed few or no clinical features of dependence. The remaining 10% may reflect users who are at risk for dependence or in an early stage of dependence. Results from latent class regressions indicate that susceptibility to rapid transition from first hallucinogen use to onset of this hallucinogen dependence syndrome might be influenced by hallucinogenic compounds taken (for example, estimated relative risk, RR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.6, 7.6 for users of MDMA versus users of LSD). Excess risk of rapid transition did not appear to depend upon age, sex, or race/ethnicity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interrater reliability of the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders in an HIV‐infected cohort: experience of the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium
Authors: Morgello S. , Holzer C.E. , Ryan E. , Young C. , Naseer M. , Castellon S.A. , Frol A.B. , Atkinson J. Hampton , Gelman B.B. , Grant I. , Singer E.J.
Published: August 2006

The interrater reliability of the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM) was assessed in a multicentre study. Four sites of the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium performed blinded reratings of audiotaped PRISM interviews of 63 HIV‐infected patients. Diagnostic modules for substance‐use disorders and major depression were evaluated. Seventy‐six per cent of the patient sample displayed one or more substance‐use disorder diagnoses and 54% had major depression. Kappa coefficients for lifetime histories of substance abuse or dependence (cocaine, opiates, alcohol, cannabis, sedative, stimulant, hallucinogen) and major depression ranged from 0.66 to 1.00. Overall the PRISM was reliable in assessing both past and current disorders except for current cannabis disorders when patients had concomitant cannabinoid prescriptions for medical therapy. The reliability of substance‐induced depression was poor to fair although there was a low prevalence of this diagnosis in our group. We conclude that the PRISM yields reliable diagnoses in a multicentre study of substance‐experienced, HIV‐infected individuals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcome revealed by preference in schizophrenia (OPS): development of a new class of outcome measurements
Authors: Falissard Bruno , Bazin Nadine , Hardy‐Bayle Marie‐Christine
Published: August 2006

The objective of this paper is to describe the development of a new type of outcome measurement, based on revealed preference, which can be used in serious chronic illnesses. Fifteen texts of about 200 words each were written by one of the authors on the day‐to‐day life of 15 schizophrenic patients. These 15 ‘slices of life’ thus described were then ranked in terms of acceptability by a second group of 10 schizophrenic patients and by a group of 12 relatives of schizophrenic patients. From these rankings, six situations were selected so as to obtain evenly distributed positioning on an axis of acceptability. These six situations comprised the final instrument. In administration, the patients were first asked if the ‘slices of life’ that were described were acceptable or not, then if the ‘slices of life’ described were more or less acceptable than their own lives. Two scores were derived, one for an absolute level and the other for a relative level of the patient's satisfaction with his or her existence. Validation results were presented to a new sample of 229 schizophrenic patients. Internal consistency appeared good and the initial ranking of the six situations in terms of acceptability was confirmed. This study encourages the development of global outcome measures based on revealed preference in chronic serious illnesses. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different results on tetrachorical correlations in Mplus and Stata – Stata announces modified procedure
Authors: Günther Agnes , Höfler Michael
Published: August 2006

To identify the structure of mental disorders in large‐scale epidemiological data sets, investigators frequently use tetrachoric correlations as a first step for subsequent application of latent class and factor analytic methods. It has been possible to do this with Stata since 2005, whereas the corresponding Mplus routine has been on the market for some years. Using an identical data set we observed considerable differences between the results of the packages. This paper illustrates the differences with several examples from the Early Developmental Stages of Psychopathology Study data set, which consists of 3021 subjects, with diagnostic information assessed by the CIDI. Results reveal that tetrachoric correlations resulting from Mplus were often considerably smaller than those computed with Stata. The results were dramatically different, especially where there were few observation per cell or even empty cells. These findings were put to Mplus and Stata, whose responses clarified the discrepancies by describing the different mathematical assumptions and procedures used. Stata announced that it intended to launch a modified procedure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nodal peripheral T‐cell lymphomas correspond to distinct mature T‐cell populations
Authors: Geissinger E , Bonzheim I , Krenács L , Roth S , Reimer P , Wilhelm M , Müller‐Hermelink HK , Rüdiger T
Published: August 2006

Peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) have not been successfully correlated with specific developmental stages of reactive T‐cells. Mature T‐cells pass through distinct stages upon antigen encounter. Naïve T‐cells are CD45RA+/CD45R0−/CD27+/CCR7+. After antigen contact they replace CD45RA expression with CD45R0. The mature T‐cells differentiate to central memory cells, which retain CD27 and CCR7, or to effector memory cells, which lose expression of both molecules depending on the strength of the antigen interaction. In this study, we evaluated lymph node biopsies from eight PTCL—not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS), seven angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphomas (AILT), and 15 anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL). Detection of tumour cells with antibodies that recognize specific rearranged T‐cell receptor Vβ segments allowed us to investigate the expression of various differentiation‐associated molecules. Results were analysed by hierarchical cluster analysis. All AILT and ALCL showed a homogeneous effector cell phenotype (CD45RA−/CD45R0+/CD27−), but differed in the cytotoxic and activation markers expressed. Several (5/8) PTCL‐NOS clustered together; these cases all exhibited a CD4+ central memory cell phenotype (CD45RA−/CD45R0+/CD27+) and four expressed the lymph node homing receptor CCR7. In conclusion, AILT and ALCL tumour cells correspond to different subsets of effector cells, while a subset of PTCL‐NOS correlates with a non‐effector T‐cell population. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lithium stabilizes the polarized lens epithelial phenotype and inhibits proliferation, migration, and epithelial mesenchymal transition
Authors: Stump RJW , Lovicu FJ , Ang SL , Pandey SK , McAvoy JW
Published: August 2006

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common complication of cataract surgery caused by epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and aberrant lens cell growth. One path to prevention depends on maintaining the quiescent lens epithelial phenotype. Here we report that lithium chloride (LiCl) is a potent stabilizer of the lens epithelial phenotype. In lens epithelial explants (controls), at low cell density, cells readily depolarized, spread out, and proliferated. By contrast, in the presence of LiCl, cells did not spread out or exhibit migratory behaviour. Using concentrations of 1–30 mM LiCl we also showed that cell proliferation is inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner. Confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry for ZO‐1 and E‐cadherin showed that LiCl treatment maintained tight junctions at the apical margins of cells. Taken together with measurements of cell heights, this showed that the cells in LiCl‐treated explants maintained the apical baso‐lateral polarity and cobblestone‐like packing that is characteristic of lens epithelial cells in vivo. Significantly, the effects of LiCl also extended to blocking the potent EMT/cataract‐promoting effects of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) on lens epithelial cells. In TGFβ‐treated explants, cells progressively dissociated from one another, taking on various elongated spindle shapes and strongly expressing α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). These features are characteristic of PCO. In both rat and human capsulorhexis explants, LiCl treatment effectively blocked the accumulation of α‐SMA and maintained the cells in a polarized, adherent, cobblestone‐packed monolayer. These findings highlight the feasibility of applying molecular strategies to stabilize lens epithelial cells and prevent aberrant differentiation and growth that leads to cataract. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lessons from studies on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: an important role for parietal epithelial cells?
Authors: Smeets B , Dijkman HBPM , Wetzels JFM , Steenbergen EJ
Published: August 2006

Glomerular diseases are caused by multiple mechanisms. Progressive glomerular injury is characterized by the development of segmental or global glomerulosclerosis independent of the nature of the underlying renal disease. Most studies on glomerular disease focus on the constituents of the filtration barrier (podocytes, glomerular basement membrane (GBM), endothelial cells) or the mesangial cells. Little attention is given to the epithelial cells lining Bowman's capsule, the so called parietal epithelial cells (PECs). This ‘lack of attention’ is partly explained by the presumed ‘passive’ function of PECs, which are large, flattened cells that cover Bowman's capsule in a single cell layer and form a barrier between the ultrafiltrate and the periglomerular interstitium, in normal glomerular physiology. A more important reason has been the lack of an established primary role for the parietal epithelium in glomerular diseases. However, in recent years, several studies have demonstrated that PECs are involved in extracapillary proliferation. In addition, PECs can become highly active, proliferating cells, expressing many growth factors, chemokines, cytokines, and their receptors. It was recently demonstrated that PECs also play a part in the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This review summarises current knowledge of the PEC, with emphasis on the role of PECs in the development of FSGS. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive study on the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes from (quaternized) poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] and poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sodium sulfonate)
Authors: Paneva Dilyana , Mespouille Laetitia , Manolova Nevena , Degée Philippe , Rashkov Iliya , Dubois Philippe
Published: August 2006

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) have been prepared from well‐defined (quaternized) poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) and high molecular weight poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sodium sulfonate) (PAMPSNa) after a thorough study of their viscometric properties. The effect of pH and quaternization degree of PDMAEMA on PECs stoichiometry has been examined. PEC‐based materials have been characterized in terms of thermal stability, equilibrium swelling degree, and free/bound water composition. The stoichiometry and swellability of the physically crosslinked hydrogels obtained from fully quaternized PDMAEMA/PAMPSNa complexes do not depend on pH. In contrast, PECs made of non quaternized PDMAEMA and PAMPSNa are highly affected by pH, and could reversibly disintegrate at pH ≥ 9. Partially quaternized PDMAEMA/PAMPSNa PECs exhibit intermediate properties and form stable loose structures in the whole investigated pH range. Finally, stable dispersions of PECs nanoparticles have been successfully produced from dilute solutions of the complementary polyelectrolytes. The nanoparticle average diameter as determined by dynamic light scattering proved to depend on the molar fraction of DMAEMA‐based subunits and on the initial polyelectrolyte concentration. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5468–5479, 2006
Click chemistry in materials synthesis. II. Acid‐swellable crosslinked polymers made by copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition
Authors: Li Chunmei , Finn M. G.
Published: August 2006

A highly crosslinked hyperbranched polymer that rapidly swells and shrinks in a halogenated solvent in response to the addition of an acid or base has been prepared by Cu(I) catalysis of the reaction between a diazide and an amine‐containing trialkyne. The triazole linkages in the polymer are highly stable and may also play a role in the swelling behavior. The swelling–deswelling process is reversible. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5513–5518, 2006
Synthesis and comparative solution properties of single‐, twin‐, and triple‐tailed associating ionic polymers based on diallylammonium salts
Authors: Ali Sk. Asrof , Umar Yunusa , Abu‐Sharkh B. F. , Al‐Muallem Hasan A.
Published: August 2006

The cycloterpolymerizations of single‐, twin‐, and triple‐tailed hydrophobes with hydrophilic monomer N,N‐diallyl‐N‐carboethoxymethylammonium chloride and sulfur dioxide afforded a series of cationic polyelectrolytes (CPEs) in excellent yields. These CPEs, upon the acidic hydrolysis of the pendent ester groups, gave the corresponding pH‐responsive cationic acid salts, which, upon a treatment with sodium hydroxide, were converted to polybetaines (PBs), anionic polyelectrolytes (APEs), and PB/APE polymers containing various proportions of zwitterionic (PB) and anionic fractions (APE) in the polymer chain. At a shear rate of 0.36 s−1 at 30 °C, salt‐free water solutions of the CPEs (2 g/dL) containing 8, 4, and 2.67 mol % of the single‐, twin‐, and triple‐tailed hydrophobes (all having 8 mol % octyloxy tails) had apparent viscosity values of 70, 2800, and 396,000 cps, respectively. The PB/APE polymer with a ratio of 33:67 for the zwitterionic and anionic fractions in the polymer chain gave the highest viscosity value. The superior viscosity behavior of the polymers containing the triple‐tailed hydrophobe was attributed to the blocky nature of the comonomer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5480–5494, 2006
Infrared thermography analysis of the thermally latent polymerization of 3‐ethyl‐3‐phenoxymethyloxetane
Authors: Nagasawa Tomomi , Ochiai Bungo , Endo Takeshi
Published: August 2006

Infrared thermography was employed to analyze multiple batches of the thermally latent polymerization of 3‐ethyl‐3‐phenoxymethyloxetane at once. The temperature changes in the polymerization depended on the polymerization rates. That is, a fast polymerization was exothermic, increasing the temporal temperature of the polymerization by approximately 130 °C within a few minutes. Infrared thermography, which can analyze multiple samples instantaneously, proved effective as a screening method for thermally latent curing systems. Exothermicity in the crosslinking polymerization of 1,4‐bis(3‐ethyloxetanylmethoxy)benzene was also analyzed by infrared thermography. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5519–5524, 2006
Ultrasound in polymer chemistry: Revival of an established technique
Authors: Paulusse Jos M. J. , Sijbesma Rint P.
Published: August 2006

The history of ultrasound in polymer chemistry goes back a long way. Initially, its uses were limited to being an alternative method of initiating radical polymerizations through the decomposition of solvents to form radicals or through the breakage of polymers leading to macroradicals. Recently, the raw power of ultrasound has been focused through the use of weak linkages in polymer chains, which enables the production of well‐defined macroradicals and coordinatively unsaturated metal complexes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5445–5453, 2006
What elderly cancer patients want to know? Differences among elderly and young patients
Authors: Giacalone Annalisa , Blandino Michela , Talamini Renato , Bortolus Roberto , Spazzapan Simon , Valentini Mariagrazia , Tirelli Umberto
Published: August 2006

The aims of our study were: (1) to evaluate the information needs of Italian elderly cancer patients (age ⩾65 years), (2) to compare them with those of young patients (age 18–40 years). Between June 2004 and February 2005 we asked 122 elderly (mean age 72 years) and 52 young (mean age 33 years) cancer patients naïve for treatment to fill in two self‐administered questionnaires exploring their needs for information and their psychological distress. The needs for information of elderly patients differed significantly from those of the young patients (p<0.0001); on contrast, both groups showed a similar psychological distress and the same reasons for seeking further information. Our results demonstrate that, more frequently than expected, Italian elderly cancer patients do not want complete information on their disease. Assessing to what extent elderly patients require information is essential for giving them tailored information. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biologically Multifunctional Surfaces Using Plasma Polymerization Methods
Authors: Chu Liqiang , Knoll Wolfgang , Förch Renate
Published: August 2006

Summary: We report on the development of a multilayer system, which allows for specific DNA binding reactions to occur at the surface, but at the same time shows antifouling properties, thus minimizing the nonspecific adsorption of proteins (BSA). The synthesis involves the combination of plasma polymerization and streptavidin‐biotin assembly. DNA sensing is achieved using SPFS. Antifouling properties are tailored by controlling the film thickness, together with the effects of the swelling in buffer solution and by the specific surface chemical design. Preliminary hybridization experiments show promising results.

The immobilization of biotin‐streptavidin within an antifouling pp‐EO2 plasma polymer.

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The immobilization of biotin‐streptavidin within an antifouling pp‐EO2 plasma polymer.
Synthesis and Characterization of 1‐Azido‐2‐Nitro‐2‐Azapropane and 1‐Nitrotetrazolato‐2‐Nitro‐2‐Azapropane
Authors: Boese Roland , Klapötke Thomas M. , Mayer Peter , Verma Vikas
Published: August 2006

1‐Azido‐2‐nitro‐2‐azapropane (1) was synthesized in high yield from 1‐chloro‐2‐nitro‐2‐azapropane and sodium azide. 1‐Nitrotetrazolato‐2‐nitro‐2‐azapropane (2) was synthesized in high yield from 1‐chloro‐2‐nitro‐2‐azapropane and silver nitrotetrazolate. The highly energetic new compounds (1 and 2) were characterized using vibrational (IR and Raman) and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 14N), elemental analysis and low‐temperature single crystal X‐ray diffraction. 1‐Azido‐2‐nitro‐2‐azapropane (1) represents a covalently bound liquid energetic material which contains both a nitramine unit and an azide group in the molecule. 1‐Nitrotetrazolato‐2‐nitro‐2‐azapropane (2) is a covalently bound room‐temperature stable solid which contains a nitramine group and a nitrotetrazolate ring unit in the molecule. Compounds 1 and 2 are hydrolytically stable at ambient conditions. The impact sensitivity of compound 1 is very high (<1 J) whereas compound 2 is less sensitive (<6 J).
Computational Study on Potassium Picrate Crystal
Authors: Ju Xue‐Hai , Lu Ya‐Lin , Ma Xiu‐Fang , Xiao He‐Ming
Published: August 2006

DFT calculation at the B3LYP level was performed on crystalline potassium picrate. The frontier bands are slightly fluctuant. The energy gap between the highest occupied crystal orbital (HOCO) and the lowest unoccupied crystal orbital (LUCO) is 0.121 a.u. (3.29 eV). The carbon atoms that are connected with the nitro groups make up the narrow lower energy bands, with small contributions from nitro oxygen and phenol oxygen. The higher energy bands consist of orbitals from the nitro groups and carbon atom. The potassium bears almost 1 a.u. positive charge. The potassium forms ionic bonding with the phenol oxygen and the nitro oxygen at the same time. The crystal lattice energy is predicted to be −574.40 kJ/mol at the B3LYP level determined with the effective core pseudopotential HAYWSC‐31G basis set for potassium and 6‐31G** basis set for other atoms.
A Contribution to the Analysis of Corner Turning Rib Problems
Authors: Vágenknecht Jiří , Adamík Vladislav
Published: August 2006

The detonation process was studied theoretically and experimentally for circularly curved charges with both square and circular cross sections. Velocities of the front of the detonation wave along the inner and outer edge were monitored. For comparison with numerical simulations, the results of experiments from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), USA and Department of Theory and Technology of Explosives (DTTX), Czech Republic were used. The ribs were simulated with LS‐DYNA code utilizing beta burn model for the explosives. The results of the numerical simulations were in a very good agreement with the experimental data.
The quantum Monte Carlo method
Authors: Towler M. D.
Published: August 2006

Quantum Monte Carlo is an important and complementary alternative to density functional theory when performing computational electronic structure calculations in which high accuracy is required. The method has many attractive features for probing the electronic structure of real atoms, molecules and solids. In particular, it is a genuine many‐body theory with a natural and explicit description of electron correlation which gives consistent, highly‐accurate results while at the same time exhibiting favourable (cubic or better) scaling of computational cost with system size. This article is intended to provide a brief and hopefully accessible review of some relevant aspects of quantum Monte Carlo together with an outline of our implementation of it in the Cambridge computer code ‘CASINO’ [1, 2]. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Core‐level shifts in complex metallic systems from first principle
Authors: Olovsson Weine , Göransson Christian , Marten Tobias , Abrikosov Igor A.
Published: August 2006

We show that core‐level binding energy shifts (CLS) can be reliably calculated within density functional theory. The scheme includes both the initial (electron energy eigenvalue) as well as final state (relaxation due to core‐hole screening) effects in the same framework. The results include CLS as a function of composition in substitutional random bulk and surface alloys. Sensitivity of the CLS to the local chemical environment in the bulk and at the surface is demonstrated. A possibility to use the CLS for structural determination is discussed. Finally, an extension of the model is made for Auger kinetic energy shift calculations. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Criteria for the occurrence of negative resonant magnetoresistance in magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Ţolea Mugurel , Aldea Alexandru , Ţolea Felicia
Published: August 2006

The dependence of the driven‐current through a tunnel junction on the relative orientation of the magnetization in the electrodes deviates from the Julliere formula when the current is resonant through impurity levels. For asymmetric coupling of the impurities to the electrodes, the magnetoresistance can even be negative on the resonance. Such inversion in sign is due to the fact that not only the density of states in the electrodes is important (for both orientations of spins), but also the density of states at the impurity position, which has a specific behavior. We find the exact conditions under which the negative magnetoresistance occurs, as function of both polarization and coupling asymmetry. The resonant magnetoresistance may have single or double‐dip aspect, depending on the mentioned parameters. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Open system dynamics approach to polyatomic molecules: Excitons in chromophore complexes
Authors: May Volkhard
Published: August 2006

An introduction to the dissipative quantum dynamics description of molecular system is presented based on the definition of a reduced density operator $\hat{\rho}$(t) for the system under consideration. Methods are reviewed that have been used to calculate $\hat{\rho}$(t) with emphasis on an approximate equation of motion known as the quantum master equation. The inclusion of external ultrafast fields is particularly accounted for, and a brief description of femtosecond laser pulse control experiments is given. Different applications are mentioned, concentrating on the description of Frenkel‐exciton dynamics in biological chromophore complexes (photosynthetic antennae). Finally, recent achievements guiding exciton transfer by tailored femtosecond laser pulses are considered. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Determination of Nε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine in exhaled breath condensate using isotope dilution liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gonzalez‐Reche Luis M. , Kucharczyk Anna , Musiol Anita K. , Kraus Thomas
Published: August 2006

In order to identify new biomarkers for pulmonary diseases in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) it was the aim of this study to develop an analytical method for the identification and quantification of Nε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) in EBC. As detection by liquid chromatography with positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) offers the advantage of structurally related detection with the necessary specificity required for the identification of a substance, it was the method chosen for the determination of the non‐volatile compound. Specific mass transitions and comparison of retention times with standards under given conditions were used for the unequivocal identification of CML in EBC of healthy subjects. Synthesis of isotopically labelled CML was performed and used as an internal standard for an accurate determination. It was possible to identify the advanced glycation end‐product CML in 8 out of 10 healthy subjects. The concentration range determined in the quantifiable examined samples ranged between 35 and 110 pg/mL. EBC samples from 11 patients with different diseases such as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were also measured. In one patient with pneumonia a concentration of 1509 pg CML/mL EBC could be detected. This is the first time that CML has been identified and determined in EBC. The developed LC/ESI‐MS/MS method could be used to address the utility of CML as a biomarker in pulmonary diseases. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative determination of major active components in Ginkgo biloba dietary supplements by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Ding Shujing , Dudley Ed , Plummer Sue , Tang Jiandong , Newton Russell P. , Brenton A. Gareth
Published: August 2006

A reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (RP‐HPLC/ESI‐MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of ten major active components in Ginkgo biloba extract (bilobalide, ginkgolides A, B, C, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, rutin hydrate, quercetin‐3‐β‐D‐glucoside and quercitrin hydrate) which have not been previously reported to be quantified in a single analysis. The ten components exhibit baseline separation in 50 min by C18 chromatography using a water/1:1 (v/v) methanol/acetonitrile gradient. Quantitation was performed using negative ESI‐MS in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Good reproducibility and recovery were obtained by this method. The sensitivity of both UV and different mass spectrometry modes (full scan, selected ion monitoring (SIM), and selected reaction monitoring (SRM)) were compared and both quantitation with and without internal standard were evaluated. The analysis of Ginkgo biloba commercial products showed remarkable variations in the rutin and quercetin content as well as the terpene lactone contents although all the products satisfy the conventional quality control method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving from fast to ballistic gradient in liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry pharmaceutical bioanalysis: matrix effect and chromatographic evaluations
Authors: De Nardi Claudio , Bonelli Fabio
Published: August 2006

The paper describes the steps taken by the authors to move from a fast to a ballistic gradient in routine liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of plasma samples from pharmacokinetic (PK) profiling of new chemical entities. The reduction of column dimensions from 50 × 4.6 mm to 30 × 2.1 mm followed by optimization of chromatographic separation led to a decrease in the typical runtime from 5 (fast) to 2 min (ballistic) using an API4000 tandem mass spectrometer in Turbo Ionspray mode for detection. Three analytical standards representing typical molecular structures from our sample repository were used to spike plasma from four different species (rat, dog, human and mouse). Two different approaches were used to evaluate matrix effect: post‐column infusion and comparison of the peak areas of neat standards and standards spiked after extraction into different pools of plasma; the influence of PEG400 as a typical dosing vehicle was also considered. Two different protein precipitation procedures were taken into account for sample extraction prior to injection. Peak shape, width and height, selectivity and sensitivity of the method were taken into account for chromatographic evaluation. The ballistic method was successfully cross‐validated with the conventional fast gradient chromatographic assay. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of amino acid 13C abundance from human and faunal bone collagen using liquid chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: McCullagh James S. O. , Juchelka Dieter , Hedges Robert E. M.
Published: August 2006

The scope of compound‐specific stable isotope analysis has recently been increased with the development of the LC IsoLink which interfaces high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to provide online LC/IRMS. This enables isotopic measurement of non‐volatile compounds previously not amenable to compound‐specific analysis or requiring substantial modification for gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS), which results in reduced precision. Amino acids are an example of such compounds.

We present a new chromatographic method for the HPLC separation of underivatized amino acids using an acidic, aqueous mobile phase in conjunction with a mixed‐mode stationary phase that can be interfaced with the LC IsoLink for compound‐specific δ13C analysis. The method utilizes a reversed‐phase Primesep‐A column with embedded, ionizable, functional groups providing the capability for ion‐exchange and hydrophobic interactions. Baseline separation of 15 amino acids and their carbon isotope values are reported with an average standard deviation of 0.18‰ (n = 6). In addition δ13C values of 18 amino acids are determined from modern protein and archaeological bone collagen hydrolysates, demonstrating the potential of this method for compound‐specific applications in a number of fields including metabolic, ecological and palaeodietary studies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid determination of three anticoagulant rodenticides in whole blood by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Jin Mi‐cong , Chen Xiao‐hong
Published: August 2006

A rapid, sensitive and selective method for the simultaneous determination of bromadiolone, flocoumafen and brodifacoum in whole blood using warfarin as internal standard (IS) by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐MS) has been developed and validated. The target compounds were extracted from the whole blood with ethyl acetate and separated on an XDB C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm i.d. × 5 µm) by using a mobile phase consisting of 0.2% acetic acid/methanol (12/88, v/v) at a constant flow rate of 0.50 mL/min. The analytes were detected using negative ESI‐MS in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The molecular ions [MH]− of m/z 527, 541,523 and 307 were selected for the quantification for bromadiolone, flocoumafen, brodifacoum and the IS, respectively. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.995) in the concentration range of 0.50–100.00 ng/mL. The method showed a satisfactory sensitivity (0.05–0.5 ng/mL using 200 µL blood), precision (RSD < 11.9%), accuracy (recovery: 82.0–96.1%) and selectivity. This method was successfully applied to the determination of the analytes for the diagnoses of poisoned human beings and animals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intact cell matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry as a tool to screen drugs in vivo for regulation of protein expression
Authors: Kulkarni Mahesh J. , Vinod V. P. , Umasankar P. K. , Patole Milind S. , Rao Mala
Published: August 2006

Here we demonstrate for the first time the application of intact cell matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ICM‐MS) to study the regulation of protein expression. This technique can be extended to screen the drugs that inhibit protein synthesis in various diseases. We have used Escherichia coli cells expressing a recombinant glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) gene under an arabinose‐inducible promoter as a model system. Using ICM‐MS analysis, we have detected a 28 kDa peak corresponding to the production of recombinant GST under the arabinose‐induced condition. Furthermore, recombinant GST protein was purified by a single‐step affinity purification using a glutathione Sepharose 4B affinity column from arabinose‐induced E. coli cells. The purified GST protein was found to be a 28 kDa protein by MALDI analysis suggesting the arabinose‐induced protein is indeed GST. The regulation of protein expression was studied using glucose as an alternative metabolite. The glucose‐mediated regulation of the ara‐operon was followed using the ICM‐MS technique. All the results obtained from ICM‐MS data were validated using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis. The present technique can be extended for in vivo screening of drugs and it holds tremendous potential to discover novel drugs against specific protein expressions in different diseases. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of the local Knox statistic for the prospective monitoring of disease occurrences in space and time
Authors: Brooke Marshall J. , Spitzner Dan J. , Woodall William H.
Published: August 2006

The detection of clusters of events occurring close together both temporally and spatially is important in finding outbreaks of disease within a geographic region. The Knox statistic is often used in epidemiology to test for space–time clustering retrospectively. For quicker detection of epidemics, prospective methods should be used in which observed events in space and time are assessed as they are recorded. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) surveillance method for monitoring the local Knox statistic tests for space–time clustering each time there is an incoming observation. We consider the design of this control chart by determining the in‐control average run length (ARL) performance of the CUSUM chart for different space and time closeness thresholds as well as for different control limit values. We also explain the effect of population density and region shape on the in‐control ARL and discuss other distributional issues that should be considered when implementing this method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and exploratory way to determine the mean–variance relationship in generalized linear models
Authors: Tsou Tsung‐Shan
Published: August 2006

This paper introduces an exploratory way to determine how variance relates to the mean in generalized linear models. This novel method employs the robust likelihood technique introduced by Royall and Tsou.

A urinary data set collected by Ginsberg et al. and the fabric data set analysed by Lee and Nelder are considered to demonstrate the applicability and simplicity of the proposed technique. Application of the proposed method could easily reveal a mean–variance relationship that would generally be left unnoticed, or that would require more complex modelling to detect. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.