bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of urodynamic studies in neurogenic bladder dysfunction caused by intervertebral disk hernia
Authors: Dong Dexin , Xu Zhishun , Shi Benkang , Chen Jun , Jiang Xianzhou , Wang Haixin
Published: July 2006

Aims

To discuss the clinical significance of urodynamic studies in neurogenic bladder dysfunction caused by intervertebral disk hernia.

Methods

Thirty patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction caused by intervertebral disk hernia were divided into three groups according to the category of detrusor muscle activity: neurogenic detrusor overactivity without detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD), neurogenic detrusor overactivity with DSD, or detrusor underactivity. The patients were divided into three groups according to the condition of urinary retention and incontinence: urinary retention, urinary incontinence, or neither urinary retention nor urinary incontinence. Also they were divided into three groups according to the location of the intervertebral disk hernia: cervical hernia, thoracic hernia, or lumbar hernia. All patients underwent computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and urodynamic study. The results were analyzed statistically.

Results

There was significant correlation between the category of detrusor muscle activity, bladder compliance (BC, P < 0.05), and the pressure at maximum flow (P(det,Qmax), P < 0.01). There were significant differences in post void residual (PVR), cystometric capacity (CC), and maximum flow rate (Qmax) between the three groups of urinary retention, urinary incontinence, and the group of neither retention nor incontinence (P < 0.05). There was statistical correlation between the location of the intervertebral disk hernia and the urodynamic results. There was significant correlation between the BC (the threshold was 15 ml/cmH2O), detrusor pressure (Pdet, the threshold was 40 cmH2O), DSD, the location of intervertebral disk hernia, and the upper urinary tract lesion (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Urodynamic studies are indispensable in the classification, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the neurogenic bladder dysfunction caused by intervertebral disk hernia. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurogenic bladder treatment by doubling the recommended antimuscarinic dosage
Authors: Horstmann M. , Schaefer T. , Aguilar Y. , Stenzl A. , Sievert K.D.
Published: July 2006

Introduction and Objectives

The dosage of the antimuscarinic drugs: Tolterodine ER or Trospium was increased to a higher‐than‐recommended dosage in patients where the manufacturer's recommended dosage had failed. All patients were suffering from neurogenic detrusor overactivity incontinence. Tolerability and success were evaluated in the present study.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity were evaluated: 17 with spinal cord injury, 3 with multiple sclerosis, and 1 with a meningomyelocele. All patients catheterized themselves or were catheterized. If neurogenic detrusor overactivity continued and the medication was well tolerated, the dosage was doubled to either 8 mg of Tolterodine ER [2 × 4 mg (n = 11)] or 90 mg of Trospium [3 × 30 mg (n = 10)]. The follow‐up was monitored by a bladder diary and urodynamic evaluation.

Results

Sixteen patients significantly decreased their incontinence episodes from 8–12 episodes before to 0–2 episodes during the doubled treatment. The reflex volume increased from 202 ± 68 to 332 ± 50 ml (P < 0.001). Cystometric capacity enlarged from 290 ± 56 to 453 ± 63 ml (P < 0.001). One patient had to stop the medication because of intolerable side effects and five patients did not experience satisfactory benefit.

Conclusion

The increased dosage of Tolterodine or Trospium is an effective treatment in patients with neurogenic bladder. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AMG by element agglomeration and constrained energy minimization interpolation
Authors: Kolev Tzanio V. , Vassilevski Panayot S.
Published: July 2006

This paper studies AMG (algebraic multigrid) methods that utilize energy minimization construction of the interpolation matrices locally, in the setting of element agglomeration AMG. The coarsening in element agglomeration AMG is done by agglomerating fine‐grid elements, with coarse element matrices defined by a local Galerkin procedure applied to the matrix assembled from the individual fine‐grid element matrices. This local Galerkin procedure involves only the coarse basis restricted to the agglomerated element. To construct the coarse basis, one exploits previously proposed constraint energy minimization procedures now applied to the local matrix. The constraints are that a given set of vectors should be interpolated exactly, not only globally, but also locally on every agglomerated element. The paper provides algorithmic details, as well as a convergence result based on a ‘local‐to‐global’ energy bound of the resulting multiple‐vector fitting AMG interpolation mappings. A particular implementation of the method is illustrated with a set of numerical experiments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability and validity of the sexual pressure scale
Authors: Jones Rachel
Published: July 2006

The purpose of this study was to develop the Sexual Pressure Scale (SPS) as a valid and reliable measure of gender stereotypical expectations to engage in sexual behavior. Data were collected using audio computer‐assisted self‐interview in 306 urban women, aged 18 to 29. Exploratory principal components analysis with varimax rotation yielded 19 items consisting of five factors: Condom Fear, Sexual Coercion, Women's Sex Role, Men Expect Sex, and Show Trust, accounting for 62% of the variance. Divergent and convergent validity were supported, respectively, by negative relationships of SPS factors with dyadic trust and positive relationships with sexual victimization and sexual risk behavior. Alpha reliability was .81; factor reliabilities ranged from .63 to .82. A valid assessment of sexual pressure can suggest the extent to which stereotypical gender expectations structure women's freedom to explore partner and condom use choices. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 29: 281–293, 2006.
Development and testing of the social capital scale for families of children with special health care needs
Authors: Looman Wendy Sue
Published: July 2006

The purpose of this study was to develop and psychometrically test the Social Capital Scale for families of children with special health care needs. Researchers have suggested a link between social capital and health, however, psychometrically tested measures of social capital are not described in the literature. The Social Capital Scale (SCS) demonstrated internal consistency, stability over time, and construct validity (as evaluated through factor analysis, correlation with existing measures, and hypothesis testing). Five subscales provide insight into family strengths and areas for improvement related to their investment in relationships that support health. Use of the SCS will contribute to the establishment of consensus and precision in communication about social capital's utility and measurement in the population of families of children with special health care needs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 29: 325–336, 2006
Posttrauamatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Rourke Mary T. , Hobbie Wendy L. , Schwartz Lisa , Kazak Anne E.
Published: July 2006

Background

Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed in young adult survivors of childhood cancer, including the role of four sets of variables in understanding PTSD in this population: demographic characteristics, disease and treatment factors, psychosocial and functional outcomes, and cancer‐related beliefs.

Procedure

One hundred eighty‐two survivors of pediatric malignancies, ages 18–37 years old completed a psychiatric interview and self‐report measures. Survivors were ≥5 years from diagnosis and ≥2 years from the completion of cancer treatment for a variety of cancers.

Results

Nearly 16% of the sample had PTSD. Most survivors reported re‐experiencing symptoms. There were no significant differences between survivors with and without PTSD on demographic or disease and treatment variables. Survivors with PTSD reported more psychological problems and negative beliefs about their illness and health status than those without PTSD. A logistic regression model predicted 50% of the variance in PTSD.

Conclusions

PTSD affects a subset of young adult cancer survivors. These survivors experience more psychological problems in general. Beliefs about the cancer experience are more potent predictors of PTSD than demographic or disease and treatment factors. Screening for PTSS and PTSD in cancer survivors is recommended. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:177–182. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐report of somatic symptoms in survivors of childhood cancer: Effects of adaptive style
Authors: Jurbergs Nichole , Long Alanna , Hudson Melissa , Phipps Sean
Published: July 2006

Background

Screening for late effects in survivors of childhood cancer may be influenced by the patients' self‐reporting of their somatic state. However, self report of somatic symptoms may be influenced by factors other than objectively documented physical functions. This study examined the self report of somatic symptoms in children with cancer and matched healthy control children as a function of child adaptive style.

Procedure

Two groups of children age 7–18 were studied; children with cancer at least 6‐month post completion of therapy (n = 120) and a group of healthy children (n = 120) matched on age, race, and gender. Children completed measures of somatic symptoms, body consciousness, and adaptive style.

Results

Contrary to expectations, there were no differences between children with cancer and healthy controls in self‐reported somatic symptoms, although cancer patients reported slightly lower symptomatology. In contrast, there were significant differences in self‐reported somatic symptoms as a function of adaptive style. Children identified as repressors reported the lowest level of somatic symptoms and differed significantly from all other adaptive style groups.

Conclusion

These results do not support the prevailing hypothesis that a repressive style may be a risk factor for psychosomatic illness. However, the findings are consistent with a response bias interpretation, suggesting a general under‐reporting of symptoms in repressors, including physical symptoms. These results have significant implications for health care providers and researchers following long‐term survivors of childhood cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:84–89. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Women's preferences in screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Deverill Mark , Robson Stephen
Published: July 2006

Objectives

In this article, we seek to establish women's preferences (expressed as utility values) for a number of scenarios relating to the process and associated outcomes of first‐ and second‐trimester screening for Down syndrome.

Methods

We used the standard gamble (SG) approach with a sample of 100 pregnant women. Standard gamble is a choice‐based preference elicitation technique that values scenarios on a 0–1 scale.

Results

A true negative screening test, whether obtained in the first or second trimester, had the highest utility scores (both 0.98), which were not significantly different from the scores for the false‐positive scenarios leading to first‐ or second‐trimester invasive testing but the birth of a healthy infant (0.95 and 0.94, respectively). The mean utility score for the false‐negative scenario resulting in the birth of a Down syndrome infant (0.77) was lower than both the true negative scenarios and the false‐positive healthy baby scenarios (p < 0.000).

Conclusion

We did not find any differences in the values of the key scenarios regarding either the timing of reassurance of a healthy fetus or the ability to access early surgical termination, rather than later medical termination for a Down syndrome fetus. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of a partial 6q trisomy: a case report
Authors: Valerio Domenico , Di Domenico Anna , Felicetti Maria , La Boccetta Alfredo , Ferrara Claudio , Antonio Novelli , Borrelli Antonio L.
Published: July 2006

Objective

To present a case of partial 6q trisomy diagnosed prenatally.

Method

A 28‐year‐old woman underwent genetic amniocentesis at 23 weeks of gestation on the detection of an enlarged nuchal fold (8.5 mm), which was the only clinical abnormality on routine ultrasound examination. Fetal karyotyping revealed a partial trisomy 6q (q21‐q22) caused by a balanced maternal chromosomal insertion.

Results

A female infant was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation. At birth, minor dysmorphisms were recorded, which included low set ears, macrocephaly and a webbed neck. At 17 months of age, neurological developmental assessment was normal.

Conclusions

The appearance of phenotypic expression and clinical outcome of partial 6q trisomy depends on the specific chromosomal region involved in the segmental aneusomy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of exfoliated PP/LDH nanocomposites via melt‐intercalation: Structure, thermal properties, and photo‐oxidative behavior in comparison with PP/MMT nanocomposites
Authors: Ding Peng , Qu Baojun
Published: July 2006

Exfoliated polypropylene (PP)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized via melt‐intercalation. Their structure, thermal properties, and photo‐oxidative behavior have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum. TGA and DMA data show that the PP/LDH nanocomposites have enhanced thermal stability compared with virgin PP and corresponding PP/montmorillonites (MMT) nanocomposites, especially in high temperature range during the thermal decomposition of the samples. XPS and FTIR results give positive evidence that the photo‐oxidation mechanism of PP in the PP/LDH materials is not modified compared with that of virgin PP. However, photo‐oxidation rate of PP/LDH materials is much lower than that of PP and PP/MMT samples, indicating that the PP/LDH nanocomposites have better UV‐stability. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1153–1159, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Amphiphilic block copolymers of PtBA‐b‐PMMA as compatibilizers for blends of PET and PMMA
Authors: Dewangan B. , Jagtap R. N.
Published: July 2006

PET and PMMA were blended at various weight fractions. These blends were compatibilized by employing amphiphilic block copolymers of PtBA‐b‐PMMA, having three compositions (1:3, 1:1, 3:1) and three weight fractions (3, 5, and 7 wt%) using a co‐rotating twin screw extruder. The blends were evaluated for their mechanical, rheological, and morphological properties. Overall, the compatiblized blends showed improvement in properties compared with the properties of noncompatiblized blends. Mechanical properties of the compatibilized blends improved with an increase in the PMMA and compatibilizer weight fractions. It was observed that the compatibilizer with lower molecular weight and lower glass transition temperature, typically at 5 wt%, provided the overall best properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1147–1152, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Importance of elongational properties of polymer melts for film blowing and thermoforming
Authors: Münstedt Helmut , Kurzbeck Stefan , Stange Jens
Published: July 2006

Two polyethylene and two polypropylene melts were characterized in uniaxial elongational flow. They exhibit significant differences with respect to strain hardening. For the polypropylenes it was shown that the elongational behavior found in uniaxial elongation is qualitatively reflected in biaxial deformation too. From the polyethylenes, films were blown using laboratory equipment, and the polypropylenes were processed into beakers by thermoforming. For both materials it could be shown that strain hardening is of advantage for the geometrical uniformity of the processed items. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46: 1190–1195, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Correlations and predictions of solvent effects on reactivity: some limitations of multi‐parameter equations and comparisons with similarity models based on one solvent parameter
Authors: Bentley T. William , Garley Michael S.
Published: July 2006

Three recent publications on multi‐parameter correlations of solvent effects on solvolytic reactivity are re‐examined, by considering ‘similarity’ and/or ‘analogy’. Systematic errors due to compensation effects and to comparisons between dissimilar processes are found. Models for solvent nucleophilicity involving dissimilar spectroscopic processes (e.g. β or B parameters) give insensitive measures of low nucleophilicity. From qualitative considerations based on structural similarities, it is predicted that the sensitivities to changes to solvent polarity for solvolyses of chloroalkanes should be in the order: 1‐adamantyl (3) > 2‐methyl‐2‐adamantyl (1) > t‐butyl (2). The predictions are confirmed quantitatively by simple linear free‐energy relationships and similarity models, involving correlations with YCl (based on solvolyses of 1‐chloroadamantane) or ET(30) (based on solvatochromism). Multi‐parameter correlations, indicating that solvolyses of 1 show a low sensitivity to both solvent polarity and electrophilicity, and also a negative sensitivity to solvent nucleophilicity, are shown to be unreliable. Large errors are also evident in recent KOMPH2 calculations. Conclusions are supported by comparing several multi‐parameter treatments of solvolyses of 4‐methoxyneophyl tosylate, for which there is a reliable set of kinetic data and a generally accepted mechanism. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TiO2‐sensitised photo‐oxidation mechanism of indane and some of its hetero‐analogues in deaerated CH3CN
Authors: Bettoni Marta , Giacco Tiziana Del , Rol Cesare , Sebastiani Giovanni V.
Published: July 2006

A mechanistic study, principally based on product analysis, relative to the TiO2‐photosensitized oxidation of indane and some of its hetero‐analogues, in deaerated CH3CN and in the presence of Ag2SO4, was performed. In particular: (i) 1‐acetamidoindan (principal product), indene, 1‐indanol and 1‐indanone were obtained from indan; (ii) 5‐methoxyindan gave 6‐methoxyindene (principal product) and 5‐methoxy‐1‐indanone; (iii) 2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran, 2,3‐dihydroindole and 2,3‐dihydrobenzothiophene produced benzofuran, indole and benzothiophen (the last one accompanied by minor amounts of 2,3‐dihydrobenzothiophene‐1‐oxide), respectively. Considering the previous studies on photo‐oxidation of analogous substrates as benzylic derivatives (arenes, alcohols and ethers) and from reaction product profiles, an electron‐transfer mechanism (from the substrate to the photogenerated hole) is suggested, where the radical cation intermediate should deprotonate to a benzylic radical. The carbocation obtained from the oxidation of this radical should competitively evolve to alkene, alcohol and acetamide. H218O labelling photo‐oxidation experiments suggest that the ketone, when present, should derive from the substrate, through the alcohol as intermediate. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dibasic acid with reversed order of the stepwise ionization constants: 2,7‐dichlorofluorescein in the ternary solvent mixture benzene–ethanol–water
Authors: Mchedlov‐Petrossyan Nikolay O. , Salamanova Natalya V. , Vodolazkaya Natalya A. , Gurina Yuliya A. , Borodenko Valentina I.
Published: July 2006

The ionization constants of 2,7‐dichlorofluorescein were determined and the molecular structures of the equilibrium forms were established in the ternary solvent system benzene–ethanol–water (mass ratio 47:47:6) by using visible spectroscopy. In this solvent mixture with relative dielectric constant εr = 12.8 and normalized Reichardt's parameter
E = 0.587, an inversion of the stepwise ionization constants of the dye, Ka1 and Ka2, occurs. The Ka1/Ka2 ratio changes from 16 in water and 4.8 in 50 mass % aqueous ethanol to 0.1 in the ternary solvent system with ionic strength of 0.002 mol dm−3, where pKa1 = 9.23 ± 0.08 and pKa2 = 8.22 ± 0.08 (25 °C). Such an extraordinary interrelation between the Ka constants is in line with the molecular structure of ionic and nonionic species of 2,7‐dichlorofluorescein deduced from their vis absorption spectra, as well as with the expressed salt effects and the probable ion association. The dianion R2− (5 in Scheme 1) possesses a band with λmax = 512 nm and a molar absorptivity of E = 84.3 × 103 cm−1 mol−1 dm3. The tautomeric equilibrium of the neutral form, H2R, is strongly shifted toward the colorless lactone (2 in Scheme 1). The (very intensive) absorption band of the HR− species singled out from the vis spectra at different acidity, is red‐shifted by Δλ ≈ 20 nm against the band of the dianion R2−. Hence, the monoanion HR− is found to be completely converted into the ‘phenolate’ tautomer 4 with groups COOH and O−, while in aqueous solutions the ‘carboxylate’ tautomer 3 with groups COO− and OH predominates. In 50 mass % aqueous ethanol, the two tautomers 3 and 4 exist in commensurable concentrations. Emission and fluorescence excitation spectra and fluorescence quantum yield of the dianion R2− in the ternary solvent mixture were determined. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational analysis, Part 41. A modelling and LIS/NMR investigation of the conformations of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds
Authors: Abraham Raymond J. , Mobli Mehdi , Ratti Joyce , Sancassan Fernando , Smith Timothy A. D.
Published: July 2006

A novel Lanthanide Induced Shift Analysis (LISA) is presented. In this analysis both the paramagnetic and the diamagnetic lanthanide induced chemical shifts are normalised separately in contrast to previous techniques in which only the paramagnetic shifts were normalised. This procedure is used together with molecular mechanics (MMFF94) and ab initio (RHF/6‐31G, RHF/6‐311G** and B3LYP/6‐311G**) calculations to investigate s‐cis/s‐trans isomerism in some α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, ketones and esters. In tiglic aldehyde 1 and trans‐cinnamaldehyde 4 the s‐trans conformer predominates with energy differences ΔE (s‐cis–s‐trans) of 1.64 and 1.76 kcal/mol. In methyl vinyl ketone 2 and trans‐cinnamyl methyl ketone 5 the populations of the s‐cis and s‐trans isomers are almost equal (ΔE 0.24 and 0.0 kcal/mol) and in methyl crotonate 3 and methyl trans‐cinnamate 6 the s‐cis conformer is more stable (ΔE −0.72 and −0.41 kcal/mol). These results are in agreement with both the MMFF94 and ab initio calculated energies for the compounds except tiglic aldehyde 1 in which all the calculated values are too large and cinnamyl ketone 5. In this compound the ab initio calculations predict the s‐cis form to be more stable than the s‐trans in contrast to both the MM calculations and the observed result which give both forms of equal energy. Also in both the MM and ab initio calculations phenyl substitution in the ketone (2 vs. 5) considerably stabilises the s‐cis form. This is not observed in practise. In phenyl acetate 7 the B3LYP calculations give two equally stable structures, one planar one non‐planar. The MMFF94 and MP2 calculations and the LIS analysis support the existence of only the non‐planar conformer in solution, which is also the conformation of phenyl acetate in the crystal. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complex amphiphilic networks derived from diamine‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) and benzylic chloride‐functionalized hyperbranched fluoropolymers
Authors: Powell Kenya T. , Cheng Chong , Wooley Karen L. , Singh Anuradha , Urban Marek W.
Published: July 2006

Amphiphilic copolymer networks were prepared from hyperbranched fluoropolymer (HBFP*, Mn = 38 kDa, by atom transfer radical‐self condensing vinyl copolymerization) and linear diamine‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (DA‐PEG, Mn = 1,630 Da). Model studies found that the crosslinking mechanism occurred at ambient temperature as a result of reaction between DA‐PEG and the benzylic chlorides of HBFP*. These networks underwent covalent attachment to glass microscope slides derivatized with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, whereupon gel percent studies at various weight percentages of DA‐PEG to HBFP* found that curing could be achieved at lower temperatures and shortened time periods relative to the previously reported parent HBFP–PEG system. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the crosslinked materials gave no evident mass loss up to 250 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry of the complex amphiphilic networks showed a suppressed glass transition temperature, relative to that observed for neat HBFP*, and multiple melting DA‐PEG endotherm(s) near 30 °C. The films possessed a topographically‐complex surface with features that increased in tandem with an increase in the ratio of DA‐PEG to HBFP*, as detected by atomic force microscopy and quantified by increased rms roughness values. Internal reflection infrared imaging revealed a heterogeneous surface composition and confirmed that the domain sizes increased as the weight percent of DA‐PEG increased. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4782–4794, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of new blue‐light‐emitting polymers based on PPP and PPV having fluorene pendant at vinyl bridge
Authors: Kim Yun‐Hi , Jung Sang‐Yun , Jung Sung Ouk , Park Moon‐Hak , Kwon Soon‐Ki
Published: July 2006

The new poly(arylene vinylene) derivatives, which are composed of biphenylene vinylene phenylene vinylene, biphenylene vinylene m‐phenylene vinylene, terphenylene vinylene phenylene vinylene, and terphenylene vinylene m‐phenylene vinylene as backbone and bulky fluorene pendants at each vinyl bridge, were designed, synthesized, and characterized. The obtained polymers showed weight‐average molecular weights of 11,100–39,800 with polydispersity indexes ranging from 1.5 to 2.1. The resulting polymers were amorphous with high thermal stability and readily soluble in common organic solvents. The obtained polymers showed blue emission (λmax = 456–475 nm) in PL spectra, and polymer 4 containing terphenylene vinylene m‐phenylene vinylene showed the most blue shifted blue emission (λmax = 456 nm). The double layer light‐emitting diode devices fabricated by using obtained polymers as emitter emitted bright blue light. The device showed turn on voltage around 6.5 V and brightness of 70–250 cd/m2. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4923–4931, 2006
Curing reaction of glycidylthioether resins: Kinetic model study by near infrared spectroscopy and multivariate curve resolution
Authors: Garrido M. , Larrechi M. S. , Rius F. X. , Ronda J. C. , Cádiz V.
Published: July 2006

The reactivity of sulfur‐based epoxy monomers was studied by monitoring of a model system involving phenylglycidylthioether and aniline. The reaction was carried out under isothermal conditions and monitored in situ by near infrared spectroscopy. Using multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares made it possible to obtain the concentration and spectral profiles of each species throughout the reaction. To obtain the kinetic rate constants, the values of the recovered concentration profiles were fitted to a kinetic model proposed for the reaction. Reactivity was evaluated by comparing the concentration profiles and kinetic rate constants obtained with the same parameters obtained for phenylglycidylether/aniline as a reference system. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4846–4856, 2006
Synthesis and light‐emitting properties of platinum‐containing oligoynes and polyynes derived from oligo(fluorenyleneethynylenesilylene)s
Authors: Wong Wai‐Yeung , Poon Suk‐Yue , Shi Jian‐Xin , Cheah Kok‐Wai
Published: July 2006

A series of blue‐light‐emitting oligo(fluorenyleneethynylenesilylene)s (OFESs) of the general formula HCCRCC(ECCRCC)mECCRCCH (E = SiPh2, SiMe2, or SiMe2SiMe2; m = 0–2; R = 9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl) and their phosphorescent platinum‐containing oligoynes and polyynes were synthesized and characterized. The solution properties and regiochemical structures of this new structural class of organosilicon‐based polyplatinayne polymers {trans‐[Pt(PBu3)2C CRCC(ECCRCC)mECCRCC]n} were studied with IR and NMR (1H, 13C, 29Si, and 31P) spectroscopy. The optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of these metallopolymers were examined and compared with their discrete oligomeric model complexes. Our studies led to a novel approach of using the sp3‐silyl moiety as a conjugation interrupter to limit the effective conjugation length in metal polyynes, which could boost the phosphorescence decay rates essential for light‐energy harvesting from the triplet excited state. The influence of the heavy platinum atom and the group 14 silyl unit possessing different side‐group substituents on the thermal and phosphorescence properties was investigated in detail. We also established the goal of studying the evolution of the lowest singlet and triplet excited states with chain length m of OFESs and the nature of E in these metallopolymers. This work indicated that the phosphorescence emission efficiency harnessed through the heavy‐atom effect of platinum in the main chain did not change very much with oligomer chain length m but generally decreased with the E group in the order SiMe2 > SiMe2SiMe2 > SiPh2. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4804–4824, 2006
EORTC QLQ‐INFO26: a questionnaire to assess information given to cancer patients a preliminary analysis in eight countries
Authors: Arraras Juan Ignacio , Kuljanic‐Vlasic Karin , Bjordal Kristin , Yun Young Ho , Efficace Fabio , Holzner Bernhard , Mills Judith , Greimel Elfriede , Krauss Oliver , Velikova Galina
Published: July 2006

Information disclosure is a key factor in the support for cancer patients. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group has developed a questionnaire to evaluate the level of information received by cancer patients at different stages of their disease and treatment: the EORTC QLQ‐INFO26. It can be used in clinical practice and research, including clinical trials. The questionnaire was developed following EORTC Quality of Life Group guidelines. The paper presents the data on 133 patients from eight countries. The resulting EORTC QLQ‐INFO26 questionnaire includes four sub‐scales on information regarding their cancer, medical tests, treatment and other services and several single items. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variability in initial spray deposit in apple trees in space and time
Authors: Xu Xiangming , Wu Pihong , Thorbek Pernille , Hyder Kieran
Published: July 2006

Variation in pesticide residues in space and time has not been investigated systematically in spite of the large variability found at single scales (e.g. between trees or orchards). Information on variability at different scales will support the development of sampling methods and more reliable prediction of residues. Experiments were conducted to quantify the spatiotemporal variability in initial spray deposit on apple leaves and fruit using a substitute tracer (zinc EDTA chelate). Five hierarchical spatial scales were defined as (1) between orchards, (2) between plots within an orchard, (3) between trees within a plot, (4) between zones within a tree and (5) between leaves/fruit within a zone. Similarly, two temporal scales were defined as (1) between applications within a single year and (2) between years. The initial zinc concentration was approximately log‐normally distributed; the variability in initial deposit concentration was greater on leaves than on fruit. The average initial zinc deposition was significantly greater in the top and outside zones than in the middle zones within individual trees. The most important scale for driving residue variability is the within‐zone unit‐to‐unit variation, contributing to 71 and 49% of the observed variability for leaf and fruit samples respectively. Variability at other scales was related to the variation in the tree architecture. The results indicated that stratified sampling on the basis of within‐tree zone structures, with the effort focused on within‐zone sampling, should be used for the determination of pesticide residues. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancement of fungicidal and insecticidal activity by reductive alkylation of chitosan
Authors: Rabea Entsar I , Badawy Mohamed EI , Rogge Tina M , Stevens Christian V , Steurbaut Walter , Höfte Monica , Smagghe Guy
Published: July 2006

A series of N‐alkyl chitosan (NAC) derivatives were synthesized using a reductive alkylation reaction to examine their fungicidal and insecticidal activity. The chemical structures were characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the degree of substitution (DS) ranged from 0.02 to 0.37. Their fungicidal activity was evaluated against the grey mould Botrytis cinerea Pers ex Fr (Leotiales: Sclerotiniaceae) and the rice leaf blast pathogen Pyricularia grisea Sacc [Teleomorph: Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr] by a radial growth bioassay. It was of interest that most of the NAC derivatives were more active against both fungi than chitosan itself. The most active derivative was N‐(2,2‐diphenylethyl)chitosan with EC50 values of 0.031 and 0.23 g L−1 against B. cinerea and P. grisea respectively. In addition, some derivatives, at higher concentrations up to 1.0 g L−1, inhibited the mycelial growth and spore formation of P. grisea. Bioassays against larvae of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with the NAC derivatives at a rate of 5.0 g kg−1 in artificial diet demonstrated that N‐(3‐phenylbutyl)chitosan was the most active compound. In addition, N‐propylchitosan, N‐undecanylchitosan and N‐(3‐phenylpropyl)chitosan derivatives strongly inhibited larval weight gain in S. littoralis, with respective reductions of 76, 66 and 65% after 4 days of feeding on treated diet. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling of the Inhibition Constant (Ki) of Some Cruzain Ketone‐Based Inhibitors Using 2D Spatial Autocorrelation Vectors and Data‐Diverse Ensembles of Bayesian‐Regularized Genetic Neural Networks
Authors: Caballero Julio , Tundidor‐Camba Alain , Fernández Michael
Published: July 2006

The inhibition constant (Ki) of a set of 46 ketone‐based cruzain inhibitors against cysteine protease cruzain was successfully modeled by means of data‐diverse ensembles of Bayesian‐regularized genetic neural networks. 2D spatial autocorrelation vectors were used for encoding structural information yielding a nonlinear model describing about 90 and 75% of ensemble training and test set variances, respectively. From the results of a ranking analysis of the neural network inputs, it was derived that atomic van der Waals volume distributions at topological lags 3, 5, and 6 in the 2D topological structure of the inhibitors have a high nonlinear influence on the inhibition constants. Furthermore, optimum subset of autocorrelation vectors well mapped the studied compounds according to their inhibition constant values in a Kohonen self‐organizing map.
Performance assessment for radiologists interpreting screening mammography
Authors: Woodard D. B. , Gelfand A. E. , Barlow W. E. , Elmore J. G.
Published: July 2006

When interpreting screening mammograms radiologists decide whether suspicious abnormalities exist that warrant the recall of the patient for further testing. Previous work has found significant differences in interpretation among radiologists; their false‐positive and false‐negative rates have been shown to vary widely. Performance assessments of individual radiologists have been mandated by the U.S. government, but concern exists about the adequacy of current assessment techniques.

We use hierarchical modelling techniques to infer about interpretive performance of individual radiologists in screening mammography. While doing this we account for differences due to patient mix and radiologist attributes (for instance, years of experience or interpretive volume). We model at the mammogram level, and then use these models to assess radiologist performance. Our approach is demonstrated with data from mammography registries and radiologist surveys. For each mammogram, the registries record whether or not the woman was found to have breast cancer within one year of the mammogram; this criterion is used to determine whether the recall decision was correct.

We model the false‐positive rate and the false‐negative rate separately using logistic regression on patient risk factors and radiologist random effects. The radiologist random effects are, in turn, regressed on radiologist attributes such as the number of years in practice.

Using these Bayesian hierarchical models we examine several radiologist performance metrics. The first is the difference between the false‐positive or false‐negative rate of a particular radiologist and that of a hypothetical ‘standard’ radiologist with the same attributes and the same patient mix. A second metric predicts the performance of each radiologist on hypothetical mammography exams with particular combinations of patient risk factors (which we characterize as ‘typical’, ‘high‐risk’, or ‘low‐risk’). The second metric can be used to compare one radiologist to another, while the first metric addresses how the radiologist is performing compared to an appropriate standard. Interval estimates are given for the metrics, thereby addressing uncertainty.

The particular novelty in our contribution is to estimate multiple performance rates (sensitivity and specificity). One can even estimate a continuum of performance rates such as a performance curve or ROC curve using our models and we describe how this may be done. In addition to assessing radiologists in the original data set, we also show how to infer about the performance of a new radiologist with new case mix, new outcome data, and new attributes without having to refit the model. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individualizing drug dosage by using a random intercept linear model
Authors: Diaz Francisco J. , Rivera Tulia E. , Josiassen Richard C. , Leon Jose de
Published: July 2006

An algorithm for drug dosage individualization is proposed. The algorithm assumes a random intercept linear model for the log of trough‐plasma‐concentration‐to‐dosage ratio of the drug at steady‐state, and aims at determining an optimum dosage for producing a trough steady‐state plasma concentration within a target concentration range. The minimum number of algorithm steps necessary to find the optimum dosage is computed. Computations are illustrated for clozapine, an antipsychotic drug used to treat patients with severe schizophrenia. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concentration‐dependent stimulation by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases(TIMP)‐2 of two signaling pathways in human osteosarcoma (MG‐63) Cells
Authors: Wang Ting , Kondo Chihiro , Yamashita Kyoko , Oguchi Masayo , Iwata Kazushi , Noguchi Toshihide , Hayakawa Taro
Published: July 2006

We reported previously that tyrosine kinase (TYK) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) play a role in TIMP‐dependent growth signaling. Here we demonstrate that the activation of MAPK stimulated by TIMP‐2 was sharply inhibited in MG‐63 cells by PP1, a selective inhibitor of Src‐family tyrosine kinases, suggesting that Src activation is possibly required for the MAPK activity in response to 1 ng/mL TIMP‐2. A specific cell‐permeable inhibitor of MAPK kinase (MEK), PD 98058 had an inhibitory effect on MAPK activity, indicating that MEK is an upstream effector of MAPK. By transfecting MG‐63 cells with dominant‐negative Ras, RasN17, and furthermore, by using a selective farnesyltransferase inhibitor, FTI‐277, we found that MAPK activation stimulated by TIMP‐2 was independent of Ras. We also demonstrated that the activation of MAPK in response to 1 ng/mL TIMP‐2 was inhibited by a cAMP agonist, 8‐bromo‐cAMP. On the contrary, [3H]thymidine incorporation and the activation of MAPK, all of which were heavily suppressed by increasing the TIMP‐2 concentration up to 100 ng/mL, were recovered by the addition of a cell‐permeable specific PKA inhibitor, H‐89. These results strongly suggest the presence of a negative crosstalk from the cAMP/PKA pathway to the TYK/MAPK one.
Sonographic findings of placental lacunae and the prediction of adherent placenta in women with placenta previa totalis and prior Cesarean section
Authors: Yang J. I. , Lim Y. K. , Kim H. S. , Chang K. H. , Lee J. P. , Ryu H. S.
Published: July 2006

Objective

To investigate the value of transvaginal sonographic findings of intraplacental lacunae for predicting adherent placenta and clinical outcome in patients with placenta previa totalis and a history of Cesarean section.

Methods

Fifty‐one patients with placenta previa totalis diagnosed by transvaginal sonography and with a history of Cesarean section who delivered at our hospital were included in the study. The sonographic findings of intraplacental lacunae were classified into one of four grades. Pathological analysis of the placenta was performed for all patients who delivered, and in cases of hysterectomy, examination of the uterus was also performed. The placental findings and obstetric complications, including massive transfusion, intensive care unit admission and Cesarean hysterectomy, were compared with the grade of lacuna.

Results

Lacunae were classified as Grade 1+ in 10 cases, Grade 2+ in 11 cases, Grade 3+ in five cases and as Grade 0 (i.e. lacunae were absent) in the remaining 25 cases. When lacunae of ≥ Grade 1+ were considered, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of diagnosing adherent placenta were 86.9%, 78.6%, 76.9% and 88.0%, respectively. When lacunae of ≥ Grade 2+ were considered, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of diagnosing placenta increta or percreta were 100%, 97.2%, 93.8% and 100%, respectively. Hysterectomy was performed in 18 cases, among whom two cases showed Grade 1+ lacunae, 11 cases showed Grade 2+ lacunae, and five cases showed Grade 3+ lacunae. No hysterectomy was performed in any case in which lacunae were absent. Compared to those without lacunae, the number of massive transfusions and intensive care unit admissions and cases of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and Cesarean hysterectomy were significantly greater in those with lacunae (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Transvaginal sonographic findings of intraplacental lacunae in patients with placenta previa totalis and a history of Cesarean section are useful in the prediction of adherent placenta and may have a role in the prediction of clinical outcome. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of increased yeast alcohol acetyltransferase and esterase activity on the flavour profiles of wine and distillates
Authors: Lilly Mariska , Bauer Florian F. , Lambrechts Marius G. , Swiegers Jan H. , Cozzolino Daniel , Pretorius Isak S.
Published: July 2006

The fruity odours of wine are largely derived from the synthesis of esters and higher alcohols during yeast fermentation. TheATF1‐ andATF2‐encoded alcohol acetyltransferases ofS. cerevisiaeare responsible for the synthesis of ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate esters, while theEHT1‐encoded ethanol hexanoyl transferase is responsible for synthesizing ethyl caproate. However, esters such as these might be degraded by theIAH1‐encoded esterase. The objectives of this study were: (a) to overexpress the genes encoding ester‐synthesizing and ester‐degrading enzymes in wine yeast; (b) to prepare Colombard table wines and base wines for distillation using these modified strains; and (c) to analyse and compare the ester concentrations and aroma profiles of these wines and distillates. The overexpression ofATF1significantly increased the concentrations of ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, 2‐phenylethyl acetate and ethyl caproate, while the overexpression ofATF2affected the concentrations of ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate to a lesser degree. The overexpression ofIAH1resulted in a significant decrease in ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, hexyl acetate and 2‐phenylethyl acetate. The overexpression ofEHT1resulted in a marked increase in ethyl caproate, ethyl caprylate and ethyl caprate. The flavour profile of the wines and distillates prepared using the modified strains were also significantly altered as indicated by formal sensory analysis. This study offers prospects for the development of wine yeast starter strains with optimized ester‐producing capability that could assist winemakers in their effort to consistently produce wine and distillates such as brandy to definable flavour specifications and styles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro synergistic effect of farnesol and human gingival cells against Candida albicans
Authors: Saidi Said , Luitaud Cyril , Rouabhia Mahmoud
Published: July 2006

Farnesol prevents the germination of yeast cells into mycelia, a fact that may be useful in eliminating C. albicans pathogenicity. Given the clinical potential of farnesol, its impact on C. albicans and host cells merited further investigation. We thus studied the effect of farnesol on C. albicans growth and filamentation and on gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts and the synergistic effect of both gingival cells and farnesol on C. albicans filamentation. Repeated additions of farnesol reduced the growth of C. albicans. Farnesol was also effective at reducing C. albicans germ tube formation. While farnesol inhibited germ tube formation under the conditions tested, it was most effective at inhibiting C. albicans filamentation when added to the culture medium at the same time as the serum. Farnesol also had an effect on gingival cells. In a serum‐free medium, farnesol reduced fibroblast adhesion and proliferation, promoted epithelial cell differentiation and reduced proliferation up to 48 h post‐treatment. These effects were not seen in the presence of serum. When C. albicans, farnesol and gingival cells were present in the same culture, significantly greater inhibition of the yeast‐to‐hyphal transition was observed than germ tube inhibition in cultures containing only C. albicans and farnesol, suggesting a synergistic effect between the gingival cells and farnesol in inhibiting the transition. Overall, the data suggest that farnesol is effective against C. albicans and may have an effect on host cells at certain concentrations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A genomic study of the inter‐ORF distances in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pelechano Vicent , García‐Martínez José , Pérez‐Ortín José E.
Published: July 2006

The genome of eukaryotic microbes is usually quite compacted. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the best‐known examples. Open reading frames (ORFs) occupy about 75% of the total DNA sequence. The existence of other, non‐protein coding genes and other genetic elements leaves very little space for gene promoters and terminators. We have performed an in silico study of inter‐ORF distances that shows that there is a minimum distance between two adjacent ORFs that depends on the relative orientation between them. Our analyses suggest that different kinds of promoters and terminators exist with regard to their length and ability to overlap each other. The experimental testing of some putative exceptions to the minimum length model in tandemly orientated ORF pairs suggests that, in those cases, defects in promoter or terminator functionality exist that provoke transcription of polycistronic mRNAs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.