bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycosidases in soils as affected by cropping systems
Authors: Dodor Daniel E. , Ali Tabatabai M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractGlycosidases are a group of soil enzymes that play a major role in degradation of carbohydrates. This study was conducted to assess the impact of crop rotation and N fertilization on the activities of α‐ and β‐glucosidases and α‐ and β‐galactosidases in plots of two long‐term field experiments at the Clarion‐Webster Research Center (CWRC) and Northeast Research Center (NERC) in Iowa. Surface‐soil (0–15 cm) samples were taken in 1996 and 1997 in corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), oats (Avena sativa L.), or meadow (alfalfa) (Medicago sativa L.) plots that received 0 or 180 kg N ha–1, applied as urea before corn, and an annual application of 20 kg P ha–1 and 56 kg K ha–1. Activities of the four glycosidases were significantly affected by crop rotations in both years at the two sites but not by nitrogen application. In general, higher activities were observed in plots under meadow or oat and the lowest in continuous corn (CWRC) and soybean (NERC). Four‐year rotation showed the highest activity, followed by 2‐year rotation and monocropping systems. Linear‐regression analyses indicated that, in general, the activities of the glycosidases were significantly correlated with microbial‐biomass C (r > 0.302, p ≤ 0.05) and microbial‐biomass N (r > 0.321, p ≤ 0.05), organic‐C (r > 0.332, p ≤ 0.05) and organic‐N (r > 0.399, p ≤ 0.01) contents of the soils. Results of this work suggest that multicropping stimulated the activities of the glycosidases. The specific activities of the glycosidases in soils of the two sites studied, expressed as g p‐nitrophenol released per kg of organic C, differed among the four enzymes. The lowest values were obtained for β‐galactosidase and α‐glucosidase, followed by α‐galactosidase and β‐glucosidase.
Benign course of glycogen storage disease type IIb in two brothers: Nature or nurture?
Authors: Slonim Alfred E. , Bulone Linda , Minikes Jennifer , Hays Arthur P. , Shanske Sara , Tsujino Seiichi , DiMauro Salvatore 
Published: December 2005

AbstractTwo brothers with the childhood variant of type II glycogenosis (GSD‐IIb) treated with nutrition and exercise therapy (NET) from a young age showed an unusually benign course. Muscle biopsy from the older brother, which showed characteristic vacuolar glycogen accumulation at age 2, had reverted to normal by age 16. A muscle biopsy from the younger brother was normal at 5 years. It is uncertain whether this anomalous evolution was spontaneous (nature) or due to the symptomatic therapy (nurture), but NET should be considered in patients with GSD‐IIb until enzyme replacement or gene therapy become generally available. Muscle Nerve, 2005
A study of three patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and a polyneuropathy resembling CIDP
Authors: Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Degos Bertrand , Mohr Michel , Kessler Romain , Urban‐Kraemer Emilie , Tranchant Christine 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe report three patients with a syndrome that fulfilled clinical and laboratory criteria for definite chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) who failed immunosuppressive treatment and eventually developed progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mean disease duration was 23 months (13–38) before death. Two patients had a family history of ALS without mutations of the SOD1 gene. Postmortem examination in one patient showed an endoneurial infiltration of mononuclear cells in lumbar roots and distal and proximal peripheral nerves, mainly around myelinated fibers, with demyelination and axonal loss, consistent with CIDP. The spinal cord revealed severe neuronal loss in the anterior horn, axonal loss in the corticospinal tract, and large numbers of phagocytes in the anterior and lateral tracts, indicative of ALS. Whether demyelinating polyneuropathy was coincident with ALS or was a cause or consequence of motor neuron degeneration in these patients remains to be elucidated. This unusual combination may provide an important clue in elucidating the pathogenesis of ALS in some patients. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Temozolomide and intravenous irinotecan for treatment of advanced Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Wagner Lars M. , McAllister Nancy , Goldsby Robert E. , Rausen Aaron R. , McNall‐Knapp René Y. , McCarville M. Beth , Albritton Karen 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackgroundPreclinical models show sequence‐dependent synergy with the combination of temozolomide and irinotecan, and a Phase I trial has demonstrated the combination to be tolerable and active in children with relapsed solid tumors. Because responses were seen in patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES) on that trial, additional patients were treated with this combination following study completion.ProcedureWe reviewed data from all ES patients treated with temozolomide and irinotecan at four institutions, including seven patients treated on the above Phase I trial.ResultsSixteen patients received a total of 95 courses, with a median of five courses per patient. All patients had either progressive disease (PD) during initial therapy (n = 5) or relapse within 2 years of diagnosis (n = 11). Twelve patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis, including 5 with bone and/or marrow metastases. Patients received oral temozolomide 100 mg/m2/day on days 1–5 plus intravenous irinotecan 10–20 mg/m2/day on days 1–5 and 8–12, with courses repeated every 21–28 days. We observed 1 complete, 3 partial, and 3 minor responses in 14 evaluable patients, with a median duration of response of 30 weeks. Planned 21‐day courses were tolerable and no more toxic than 28‐day courses. Myelosuppression was minimal despite heavy pretreatment. Grade 3–4 diarrhea occurred in 11% of courses and was related to higher irinotecan doses. Over 600 irinotecan doses were administered uneventfully at home.ConclusionsTemozolomide and protracted intravenous irinotecan given in 21‐day courses was tolerable and active in patients with advanced ES. Home administration of irinotecan with temozolomide was safe and is reasonable palliative therapy. A formal Phase II study using a uniform dose and schedule is warranted to better define activity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:132–139. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment with statins after acute myocardial infarction in patients ≥80 years: underuse despite general acceptance of drug therapy for secondary prevention
Authors: Kvan Elena , Pettersen Kjell I. , Landmark Knud , Reikvam Åsmund 
Published: November 2005

AbstractPurposeIt has not been decided to what extent the results from statin trials should be transferred to clinical practice in the very old. The aim of the study was to assess the use of cardiovascular drugs after an acute myocardial infarction (MI), with particular focus on statins, in very old patients as compared to younger patients.MethodA sample of 901 acute MI patients was drawn from 16 hospitals in 1999/2000; the patients were followed up for 2.5 years. Information on demographic variables and drug therapy was obtained from hospital records, and in the follow‐up period by direct patient contact or questionnaire. The main indications for prescribing the various cardiovascular drugs were recorded.ResultsAt discharge, drug use in patients ≥80 and <80 years, respectively, was as follows: ACE‐inhibitors 48 versus 32%, nitrates 55 versus 32%, diuretics 64 versus 26%, aspirin 72 versus 86%, and β‐blockers 67 versus 85%. A striking difference was found for statins: 9% in the very old and 72% in younger patients. The pattern of drug use generally remained unchanged after 2.5 years. Survival rates for patients ≥80 and <80 years: at discharge 72 versus 90%, after 2.5 years 34 versus 73%.ConclusionsDrug therapy was widely accepted for the indication secondary prevention after MI in patients above 80 years of age. The various cardiovascular drugs were prescribed to about the same extent for very old and younger patients. The exception was lipid lowering drugs which, despite the physicians' recognition of the indication secondary prevention in the very old patients, were prescribed to a limited extent. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous imaging of the structure and fluorescence of a supramolecular nanostructure formed by the coupling of π‐conjugated polymer chains in the intermolecular interaction
Authors: Shinohara Ken‐ichi , Suzuki Tasuku , Kitami Takeshi , Yamaguchi Shingo 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe fabricated a micrometer‐long supramolecular chain in which π‐conjugated polyrotaxane was coupled. A new experimental setup was designed and constructed, and the simultaneous direct imaging of the structure and fluorescent function was achieved. Furthermore, we identified the formation of a polymer intertwined network and observed novel fluorescence due to a long‐range interaction via this intertwined network over a distance of 5 μm or more without quenching over 15 min in the near field. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 801–809, 2006
Characterization of 6FDA‐based hyperbranched and linear polyimide–silica hybrid membranes by gas permeation and 129Xe NMR measurements
Authors: Suzuki Tomoyuki , Yamada Yasuharu 
Published: November 2005

AbstractPhysical and gas transport properties of novel hyperbranched polyimide–silica hybrid membranes were investigated and compared with those of linear‐type polyimide–silica hybrid membranes with similar chemical structures. Hyperbranched polyamic acid, as a precursor, was prepared by polycondensation of a triamine, 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenoxy)benzene (TAPOB), and a dianhydride, 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA). 6FDA‐TAPOB hyperbranched polyimide–silica hybrids were prepared using the polyamic acid, water, and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) by sol–gel reaction. 5% weight‐loss temperature of the 6FDA‐TAPOB hyperbranched polyimide–silica hybrids determined by TG‐DTA measurement considerably increased with increasing silica content, indicating effective crosslinking at polymer–silica interface. CO2, O2, N2, and CH4 permeability coefficients of the 6FDA‐based polyimide–silica hybrids increased with increasing silica content. In addition, CO2/CH4 selectivity of the 6FDA‐TAPOB–silica hybrids remarkably increased with increasing silica content. From 129Xe NMR analysis, characteristic distribution and interconnectivity of cavities created around polymer–silica interface were suggested in the 6FDA‐TAPOB–silica hybrids. It was indicated that size‐selective separation ability is effectively brought by the incorporation of silica for the 6FDA‐TAPOB hyperbranched polyimide–silica hybrid membranes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 291–298, 2006
Large‐scale prediction of disulphide bridges using kernel methods, two‐dimensional recursive neural networks, and weighted graph matching
Authors: Cheng Jianlin , Saigo Hiroto , Baldi Pierre 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe formation of disulphide bridges between cysteines plays an important role in protein folding, structure, function, and evolution. Here, we develop new methods for predicting disulphide bridges in proteins. We first build a large curated data set of proteins containing disulphide bridges to extract relevant statistics. We then use kernel methods to predict whether a given protein chain contains intrachain disulphide bridges or not, and recursive neural networks to predict the bonding probabilities of each pair of cysteines in the chain. These probabilities in turn lead to an accurate estimation of the total number of disulphide bridges and to a weighted graph matching problem that can be addressed efficiently to infer the global disulphide bridge connectivity pattern. This approach can be applied both in situations where the bonded state of each cysteine is known, or in ab initio mode where the state is unknown. Furthermore, it can easily cope with chains containing an arbitrary number of disulphide bridges, overcoming one of the major limitations of previous approaches. It can classify individual cysteine residues as bonded or nonbonded with 87% specificity and 89% sensitivity. The estimate for the total number of bridges in each chain is correct 71% of the times, and within one from the true value over 94% of the times. The prediction of the overall disulphide connectivity pattern is exact in about 51% of the chains. In addition to using profiles in the input to leverage evolutionary information, including true (but not predicted) secondary structure and solvent accessibility information yields small but noticeable improvements. Finally, once the system is trained, predictions can be computed rapidly on a proteomic or protein‐engineering scale. The disulphide bridge prediction server (DIpro), software, and datasets are available through www.igb.uci.edu/servers/psss.html. Proteins 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiphase structure of finite‐temperature phase diagram of the Blume–Capel model. Wang–Landau sampling method
Authors: Pawłowski G. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe investigate the density of states (DOS) in an antiferromagnetic spin‐system on a square lattice described by the Blume–Capel (BC) model. We use a new and very efficient simulation method, proposed by Wang and Landau, in which we estimate very precisely DOS by sampling in the space of energy. Then we calculate the thermodynamical averages like internal energy, free energy, specific heat and entropy.The BC model exhibits multicritical behaviour such as first‐ or second‐order transitions and tricritical points. It is known that the ground state of the model can exhibit two kinds of staggered antiferromagnetic phases: AF1 (two interpenetrating lattices with S = –1 and S = 1) and AF2 (S = –1 and S = 0 for H < 0; S = 1 and S = 0 for H > 0). We analyze the coexistence of such phases at finite temperatures and determine border lines between them. To understand the microscopic nature of such boundaries we present also some results obtained with the standard Monte Carlo method. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Competition of ferromagnetism and superconductivity in Sc3InB
Authors: Wiendlocha B. , Tobola J. , Kaprzyk S. , Fruchart D. , Marcus J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe present results of electronic structure calculations for the intermetallic perovskite Sc3InB with the full‐potential KKR‐LDA method. Sc3InB is a very promising candidate for a new superconductor (related to 8 K MgCNi3) and can be regarded as a boron‐inserted cubic Sc3In, which is a high‐pressure allotropic form of the hexagonal weak ferromagnet Sc3In. We predict that cubic Sc3In can also be magnetic, whereas Sc3InB having large DOS in the vicinity of E F exhibits non‐magnetic ground state. Estimation of the electron–phonon coupling for Sc3InB gives λ ≃ 1. Furthermore, the effect of vacancies in Sc3InB1–x and antisite disorder in Sc3(In‐B) on critical parameters is also discussed using the KKR–CPA method. All theoretical results support the possibility of the superconductivity onset in Sc3InB. Preliminary experimental measurements established the transition temperature close to 4.5 K, with a very abrupt change in susceptibility and a correlated drop of the resistivity when cooling. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Application of life cycle assessment to improve the environmental performance of a ceramic tile packaging system
Authors: Bovea M. D. , Serrano J. , Bruscas G. M. , Gallardo A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe overall goal of this study was to evaluate the environmental performance of the process currently used to package and palletize ceramic floor and wall tiles, and to propose and analyse improvements from an environmental point of view. After developing a life cycle inventory of the primary and tertiary packaging, the life cycle assessment was applied according to mandatory and optional elements of ISO 14042. The results are presented in three parts: the first quantifies the environmental behaviour of the current packaging system, the second examines strategies focused on minimizing the environmental burdens of such critical elements, and the third quantifies the environmental improvements, compared with the initial situation, that are obtained with the application of each improvement. The simultaneous incorporation of all the proposed improvements into the packaging system can reduce impact within the 18–45% range, depending on the impact method that is applied. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐centrosymmetric section forming shoulders in packaging machines
Authors: Zhou Yi‐Jie , Qian Xiao‐Ming 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe mathematical description of a non‐centrosymmetric section, trapezoid shoulder is presented and the equations of the bending curve, the shoulder curved surface and the fringe curve are developed. Triangular, flat‐round, rectangular and round shoulders are discussed as special cases of the non‐centrosymmetric shoulder. To confirm the validity of the mathematical description, 3‐D shoulders are modelled on computer, and actual shoulders are manufactured by rapid manufacturing machine. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perinatal outcome in monochorionic twin pregnancies complicated by amniotic fluid discordance without severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Huber A. , Diehl W. , Zikulnig L. , Bregenzer T. , Hackelöer B. J. , Hecher K. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the natural history and perinatal outcome in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with discordant amniotic fluid volume without signs of severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).MethodsThis was an observational study of 84 consecutive monochorionic twin pregnancies which did not meet the criteria for severe TTTS and endoscopic laser coagulation of placental anastomoses at initial presentation. The population was subdivided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 64 pregnancies (median gestational age, 20.1 (range, 15.6–24.7) weeks) with amniotic fluid discordance and no signs of congestive heart failure in the twin with the larger amniotic fluid volume (Twin 1) and positive end‐diastolic flow in the umbilical artery of the twin with the smaller amniotic fluid volume (Twin 2). Group 2 (median gestational age, 19.1 (range, 16.0–24.4) weeks) consisted of 20 pregnancies with amniotic fluid discordance and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (abdominal circumference < 5th percentile) in combination with absent or reversed end‐diastolic (ARED) flow in the umbilical artery of Twin 2. After exclusion of one patient from Group 1, who opted for termination of pregnancy, nine patients in Group 1 and one in Group 2 developed severe TTTS, and laser coagulation was offered. The remaining 54 pregnancies of Group 1 were compared with the remaining 19 pregnancies of Group 2.ResultsFetuses in Group 1 showed significantly higher survival rates (overall survival, 100/108 (92.6%) vs. 23/38 (60%), P < 0.0001; survival of both fetuses, 49/54 (90.7%) vs. 9/19 (47.4%), P = 0.0002) and median gestational age at delivery (33.6, (range, 27.6–37.8) weeks vs. 32.0 (range, 26.9–36.3) weeks, P = 0.0457). Overall, there was a significantly higher incidence of complications, defined as necessity for intrauterine intervention, fetal or neonatal death or delivery prior to 32 weeks, in Group 2 (Group 1: 30/63 (47.6%); Group 2: 16/20 (80%), P = 0.0188).ConclusionsOur data suggest that amniotic fluid discordance in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies in combination with IUGR and umbilical artery ARED flow in one fetus represents an extremely high‐risk constellation for adverse pregnancy outcome. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doppler and biophysical assessment in growth restricted fetuses: distribution of test results
Authors: Baschat A. A. , Galan H. L. , Bhide A. , Berg C. , Kush M. L. , Oepkes D. , Thilaganathan B. , Gembruch U. , Harman C. R. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveMulti‐vessel Doppler ultrasonography and biophysical profile scoring (BPS) are used in the surveillance of growth restricted fetuses (IUGR). The interpretation of both tests performed concurrently may be complex. This study examines the relationship between Doppler ultrasonography and biophysical test results in IUGR fetuses.MethodsThree hundred and twenty‐eight IUGR fetuses (abdominal circumference < 5th percentile, elevated umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI)) had concurrent surveillance with UA, middle cerebral artery (MCA) and ductus venosus (DV) Doppler ultrasonography and BPS (fetal tone, movement, breathing, maximal amniotic fluid pocket and fetal heart rate). Patients were stratified into three groups according to their Doppler examination: (1) abnormal UA alone; (2) brain sparing (MCA‐PI > 2 SD below mean for gestational age); and (3) abnormal DV (PI > 2 SD above the mean for gestational age) and BPS groups: (1) normal (> 6/10); (2) equivocal (6/10); and (3) abnormal (< 6/10). Predictions of short‐term perinatal outcomes by both modalities were compared for stratification. The distribution and concordance of Doppler and BPS test results were examined for the whole patient group and based on delivery prior to 32 weeks' gestation.ResultsAbnormal UA Doppler results alone were observed in 109 fetuses (33.2%), brain sparing in 87 (26.5%) and an abnormal DV in 132 (40.2%). The BPS was normal in 158 (48.2%), equivocal in 68 (20.7%) and abnormal in 102 (31.1%). Both testing modalities stratified patients into groups with comparable acid–base disturbance and perinatal outcome. Of the nine possible test combinations the largest subgroups were: abnormal UA alone/normal BPS (n = 69; 21%) and abnormal DV Doppler/abnormal BPS (n = 62; 18.9%). Assessment of compromise by both testing modalities was concordant in 146 (44.5%) cases. In 182 fetuses with discordant results the BPS grade was better in 115 (63.2%, P < 0.0001). Marked disagreement of test abnormality was present in 57 (17.4%) fetuses. Of these, abnormal venous Doppler in the presence of a normal BPS constituted the largest group (Chi‐square P < 0.002). Stratification was not significantly different in patients delivered prior to 32 weeks' gestation.ConclusionDoppler ultrasonography and BPS effectively stratify IUGR fetuses into risk categories, but Doppler and BPS results do not show a consistent relationship with each other. Since fetal deterioration appears to be independently reflected in these two testing modalities further research is warranted to investigate how they are best combined. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of the effect of turbulence on horizontal axis wind turbine aerodynamics
Authors: Sicot Christophe , Devinant Philippe , Laverne Thomas , Loyer Stéphane , Hureau Jacques 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIncident flows on wind turbines are often highly turbulent, because these devices operate in the atmospheric boundary layer and often in the wake of other wind turbines. This article presents experimental investigations of the effects of a high turbulence level on wind turbine aerodynamics. Power and thrust are measured on a horizontal axis wind turbine model in the ‘Lucien Malavard’ wind tunnel. A grid is used to generate three turbulence levels (4·4%, 9% and 12%) with integral length scale of the order of magnitude of the chord length. Experiments show little effect of turbulence on the wind turbine model power and thrust. This can be justified by analysis of the aerodynamic loads along the blade. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.