bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group chromatic number of planar graphs of girth at least 4
Authors: Lai Hong‐Jian , Li Xiangwen 
Published: January 2006

AbstractJeager et al. introduced a concept of group connectivity as a generalization of nowhere zero flows and its dual concept group coloring, and conjectured that every 5‐edge connected graph is Z3‐connected. For planar graphs, this is equivalent to that every planar graph with girth at least 5 must have group chromatic number at most 3. In this article, we show that if G is a plane graph with girth at least 4 such that all 4 cycles are independent, every 4‐cycle is a facial cycle and the distance between every pair of a 4‐cycle and a 5‐cycle is at least 1, then the group chromatic number of G is at most 3. As a special case, we show that the conjecture above holds for planar graphs. We also prove that if G is a connected K3,3‐minor free graph with girth at least 5, then the group chromatic number is at most 3. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 52: 51–72, 2006
Orthorhombic α‐Ca(HCOO)2 and monoclinic LiH2C6H4SO3 · H2O crystals – new materials for Raman lasers with large frequency shifts
Authors: Kaminskii A. A. , Haussühl E. , Haussühl S. , Eichler H. J. , Rhee H. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe report on the first observation of χ(3)‐nonlinear lasing effects – efficient high‐order stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in LiH2C6H4SO3 · H2O and α‐Ca(HCOO)2 single crys‐ tals. We classify these materials as promising SRS‐media for Raman laser converters with many large frequency shifts. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical Methods for Polynomial Models in Nonlinear Factor Analysis
Authors: McDonald Roderick P. 
Published: January 2006

The basic concepts of nonlinear factor analysis are introduced and some extensions of the general theory are developed. An elementary account of the class of multiple-factor polynomial models is presented, using more elementary algebraic methods than have been employed in earlier accounts of this theory. Working formulas are developed for the multiple-factor polynomial model without product terms.Some empirical results are presented.
Determination of the GABA analogue succinic semialdehyde in urine and cerebrospinal fluid by dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatization and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: Application to SSADH deficiency
Authors: Struys E. A. , Jansen E. E. W. , Gibson K. M. , Jakobs C. 
Published: January 2006

SummarySuccinic semialdehyde (SSA) accumulates in the inborn error of meta‐ bolism succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency owing to impaired enzymatic conversion to succinic acid. We developed a stable‐isotope dilution liquid chromato‐ graphy–tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of SSA in urine and cerebrospinal fluid samples. Stable‐isotope‐labelled [13C4]SSA, serving as internal standard, was prepared by reaction of ninhydrin with L‐[13C5]glutamic acid. SSA in body fluids was converted to its dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) derivative, without sample purification prior to the derivatization procedure. The DNPH derivative of SSA was injected onto a C18 analytical column and chromatography was performed by isocratic elution. Detection was accomplished by tandem mass spectrometry operating in the negative multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. The limit of detection was 10 nmol/L and the calibration curves over the range 0–500 pmol of SSA showed good linearity (r2 > 0.99). The intra‐day coefficient of variation (n = 10) for urine was 2.7% and inter‐day coefficient of variation (n = 5) for urine was 8.5%. The average recoveries performed on two levels by enriching urine and cerebrospinal fluid samples ranged between 85 and 115%, with coefficients of variation < 8%. The method enabled the first determination of normal values for SSA in urine and pathological values of SSA in urine and cerebrospinal fluid samples derived from patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.
Cumulative incidence rates of the mucopolysaccharidoses in Germany
Authors: Baehner F. , Schmiedeskamp C. , Krummenauer F. , Miebach E. , Bajbouj M. , Whybra C. , Kohlschütter A. , Kampmann C. , Beck M. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryIn order to estimate the cumulative incidence rates of the mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) in Germany, a retrospective epidemiological survey covering the period between 1980 and 1995 was implemented. Multiple ascertainment sources were used to identify affected patients. A prevalence of approximately 0.69 cases per 100 000 births was obtained for MPS I (Hurler phenotype). Within the study period, 4 patients with Hurler/Scheie phenotype and 7 cases with Scheie disease were detected. The cumulative incidence for MPS II (Hunter syndrome) was estimated as 0.64 cases per 100 000 births (1.3 cases per 100 000 male live births); that for MPS III (Sanfilippo syndrome types A, B and C) as 1.57 cases in 100 000 births; that for MPS IV A (Morquio syndrome) as 0.38 cases in 100 000; and that for MPS VI (Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome) as 0.23 cases per 100 000 births. Two cases of MPS IVB (β‐galactosidase deficiency) have been identified, but no patients with MPS VII or MPS IX. A relatively high number of patients with MPS IIIB, MPS IVA and MPS VI were of Turkish origin. The crude rate for all types of mucopolysaccharidoses is approximately 3.53 cases in 100 000 live births. The cumulative incidence pattern of MPS in Germany was compared with the corresponding rates among other industrial nations obtained from recent literature: the crude cumulative rates for all types of mucopolysaccharidoses (3.4–4.5 in 100 000 live births) were similar among all published populations; however, different frequencies of the various forms of MPS were observed.
A novel assay for the prenatal diagnosis of Sjögren–Larsson syndrome
Authors: van den Brink D. M. , van Miert J. M. , Wanders R. J. A. 
Published: January 2006

SummarySjögren–Larsson syndrome (SLS) is a metabolic disorder characterized by ichthyosis, mental retardation and spastic diplegia or tetraplegia. The biochemical defect has been identified as a deficiency of fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH), which is part of an enzyme complex that converts fatty alcohols into fatty acids. Making use of the finding that FALDH is also involved in the degradation of phytol, we set up an enzymatic assay for the prenatal diagnosis of SLS in cultured chorionic villus fibroblasts (CVF) based on a deficiency in the conversion of phytol to phytenic acid. FALDH activity was assessed by incubating fibroblast homogenates with phytol in the presence of NAD+, followed by hexane extraction of the samples and quantification of phytenic acid production by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). FALDH activity could be detected in cultured CVF cells derived from control fetuses and the activity was found to be markedly deficient in cultured CVF cells derived from an affected SLS fetus. The new assay described in this paper has advantages over previous assays and we conclude that it may well contribute to the prenatal detection of SLS.
Congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) Ig: Report on a patient and review of the literature
Authors: Rocco M. Di , Hennet T. , Grubenmann C. E. , Pagliardini S. , Allegri A. E. M. , Frank C. G. , Aebi M. , Vignola S. , Jaeken J. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryWe report a new patient with CDG Ig and review the five other known patients. From the data on this small number of patients, it seems that the association of psychomotor retardation, male hypogenitalism and decreased serum IgG in a patient with a type 1 pattern of serum sialotransferrins might be a clue to the diagnosis of CDG Ig.
Retinitis pigmentosa in mevalonate kinase deficiency
Authors: Balgobind B. , Wittebol‐Post D. , Frenkel J. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryRetinitis pigmentosa can occur as a complication of mevalonate kinase deficiency. This may be due to the unique isoprenoid metabolism in the retina. Early detection requires awareness on the part of the treating physician.
ProteomeCommons.org JAF: reference information and tools for proteomics
Authors: Falkner J. A. , Falkner J. W. , Andrews P. C. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Summary: Analysis of proteomics data, specifically mass spectrometry data, commonly relies on libraries of known information such as atomic masses, known stable isotopes, atomic compositions of amino acids, observed modifications of known amino acids and ion masses that directly correspond to known amino acid sequences. The Java Analysis Framework (JAF) for proteomics provides a freely usable, open-source library of Java code that abstracts all of the aforementioned data, enabling more rapid development of proteomics tools. The JAF also includes several user tools that can be run directly from a web browser.
Availability: The current version and an archive of all older versions of the Java Analysis Framework for Proteomics is freely available, including complete source-code, at
Contact: jfalkner@umich.edu
Key worker services for disabled children: what characteristics of services lead to better outcomes for children and families?
Authors: Sloper P. , Greco V. , Beecham J. , Webb R. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  Research has shown that families of disabled children who have a key worker benefit from this service and recent policy initiatives emphasize the importance of such services. However, research is lacking on which characteristics of key worker schemes for disabled children are related to better outcomes for families.Methods  A postal questionnaire was completed by 189 parents with disabled children who were receiving a service in seven key worker schemes in England and Wales. Path analysis was used to investigate associations between characteristics of the services and outcomes for families (satisfaction with the service, impact of key worker on quality of life, parent unmet need, child unmet need).Results  The four path models showed that key workers carrying out more aspects of the key worker role, appropriate amounts of contact with key workers, regular training, supervision and peer support for key workers, and having a dedicated service manager and a clear job description for key workers were associated with better outcomes for families. Characteristics of services had only a small impact on child unmet need, suggesting that other aspects of services were affecting child unmet need.Conclusions  Implications for policy and practice are discussed, including the need for regular training, supervision and peer support for key workers and negotiated time and resources for them to carry out the role. These influence the extent to which key workers carry out all aspects of the key worker's role and their amount of contact with families, which in turn impact on outcomes.
Assortative preferences and discrimination by females against hybrid male song in the grasshoppers Chorthippus brunneus and Chorthippus jacobsi (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Bridle J. R. , Saldamando C. I. , Koning W. , Butlin R. K. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The grasshoppers Chorthippus brunneus and Chorthippus jacobsi are highly differentiated for male mating signals, and form a mosaic hybrid zone in northern Spain. At some sites within this zone, many hybrids are observed. At others, few hybrids are observed. Such bimodal sites may reflect recent contacts between parental genotypes, or local variation in levels of assortative mating or selection against hybrids. Playback of 12 parental and F1 male songs to 296 parental and hybrid females revealed positive assortative preferences in C. brunneus and C. jacobsi females, supporting a direct role of male mating signals in female choice. However, all female genotypic classes showed reduced responsiveness to F1 male songs. Such sexual selection against hybrids is consistent with the narrow cline width observed in the field for song characters relative to morphology. These results have implications for the genetic structure of the hybrid zone and for models of speciation by reinforcement.
Hepatic cavernous hemangioma: underrecognized associated histologic features
Authors: Kim Grace E. , Thung Swan N. , Tsui Wilson M. S. , Ferrell Linda D. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: Cavernous hemangiomas (CH) are typically described as solitary, well‐circumscribed lesions and are reported to have a distinct fibrous interface. This study describes underrecognized histological changes of large hepatic hemangiomas that contradict this long‐standing view.Methods: Nineteen cases of hepatic resections for CH were reviewed. Stains for estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR), MIB‐1, α‐smooth muscle actin, collagen IV, and elastic Van Gieson stains were applied to the lesions.Results: The CHs measured 5–31 cm (mean 16.6 cm). Sixteen (84%) CHs had an irregular interface with the liver parenchyma while only three had the well‐defined fibrous capsule typically described for CH. Fifteen (79%) CHs had dilated vascular spaces filled with blood 0.1–2.0 cm beyond the confines of the main CH, which we have designated hemangioma‐like vessels (HLVs). The histochemical and immunohistochemical stains in both CH and HLVs were similar, with the walls of the vessels composed predominantly of collagen with some faint elastic fibers and smooth muscle, endothelium underlined by collagen IV, negative ER/PR in all components, and a proliferation rate of <5/100 endothelial cells.Conclusion: Irregular edges of CH and HLVs in the liver parenchyma adjacent to CH have been underrecognized. No significant differences in staining or proliferative rate were present between CHs and HLVs, suggesting the HLVs are within the spectrum of CH.
Treatment of rectovaginal fistula: A 5‐year review
Authors: CASADESUS Damian , VILLASANA Luis , SANCHEZ Ines M. , DIAZ Hector , CHAVEZ Mariano , DIAZ Angelina 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a chart review of 17 patients who had been treated for rectovaginal fistula (RVF) from 1996 to 2000. In most cases (13; 76.5%), the fistula was the result of post‐surgical complications. Following vaginal mucosa advancement flap repair or repair after conversion to a fourth‐degree perineal laceration, 16 (94%) of the rectovaginal fistulae (during the first attempted repair or after failed treatment) were successfully treated. In all patients but one, faecal diversion was avoided. In two patients, fistulography was both a diagnostic procedure and the method of treatment.
Hexadecylphosphocholine (Miltefosine) Has Broad-Spectrum Fungicidal Activity and Is Efficacious in a Mouse Model of Cryptococcosis
Authors: Widmer Fred , Wright Lesley C. , Obando Daniel , Handke Rosemary , Ganendren Ranjini , Ellis David H. , Sorrell Tania C. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

The alkyl phosphocholine drug miltefosine is structurally similar to natural substrates of the fungal virulence determinant phospholipase B1 (PLB1), which is a potential drug target. We determined the MICs of miltefosine against key fungal pathogens, correlated antifungal activity with inhibition of the PLB1 activities (PLB, lysophospholipase [LPL], and lysophospholipase-transacylase [LPTA]), and investigated its efficacy in a mouse model of disseminated cryptococcosis. Miltefosine inhibited secreted cryptococcal LPTA activity by 35% at the subhemolytic concentration of 25 μM (10.2 μg/ml) and was inactive against mammalian pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA
2
). At 250 μM, cytosolic PLB, LPL, and LPTA activities were inhibited by 25%, 51%, and 77%, respectively. The MICs at which 90% of isolates were inhibited (MIC
90
s) against
Candida albicans
,
Candida glabrata
,
Candida krusei
,
Cryptococcus neoformans
,
Cryptococcus gattii
,
Aspergillus fumigatus
,
Fusarium solani
,
Scedosporium prolificans
, and
Scedosporium apiospermum
were 2 to 4 μg/ml. The MICs of miltefosine against
Candida tropicalis
(
n
= 8) were 2 to 4 μg/ml, those against
Aspergillus terreus
and
Candida parapsilosis
were 8 μg/ml (MIC
90
), and those against
Aspergillus flavus
(
n
= 8) were 2 to 16 μg/ml. Miltefosine was fungicidal for
C. neoformans
, with rates of killing of 2 log units within 4 h at 7.0 μM (2.8 μg/ml). Miltefosine given orally to mice on days 1 to 5 after intravenous infection with
C. neoformans
delayed the development of illness and mortality and significantly reduced the brain cryptococcal burden. We conclude that miltefosine has broad-spectrum antifungal activity and is active in vivo in a mouse model of disseminated cryptococcosis. The relatively small inhibitory effect on PLB1 enzyme activities at concentrations exceeding the MIC by 2 to 20 times suggests that PLB1 inhibition is not the only mechanism of the antifungal effect.
Rifalazil Pretreatment of Mammalian Cell Cultures Prevents Subsequent Chlamydia Infection
Authors: Suchland Robert J. , Brown Kara , Rothstein David M. , Stamm Walter E. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Chlamydia
species are widely disseminated obligate intracellular pathogens that primarily cause urogenital, ocular, and respiratory infections. In these studies, we show that exposing mammalian cells to antibacterial agents prior to
Chlamydia
inoculation protects the host cells against subsequent challenge by chlamydiae (the protective effect [PE]). Rifalazil exhibited a considerably stronger PE than did azithromycin, rifampin, doxycycline, and ofloxacin. Specifically, 0.002 μg/ml rifalazil incubated for 1 day with a monolayer of McCoy cells was sufficient to protect against a challenge 2 days later with
Chlamydia trachomatis
serovar D (UW-3). The PE was observed with five different mammalian cell lines and with a variety of
C. trachomatis
and
Chlamydia pneumoniae
isolates. The duration of the PE was 6 to 12 days for rifalazil (depending on the cell line), a maximum of 3 days for azithromycin, and less than a day for the other drugs tested. For rifalazil, the PE was shown to be mediated by inhibition of the chlamydial RNA polymerase since mutants with altered RNA polymerases had correspondingly altered PEs. These results suggest that rifalazil may be unique in its ability to prevent infection with obligate intracellular pathogens for a considerable time after treatment. This characteristic may be of particular public health value in reducing reinfection with chlamydiae.
Nonmolecular Test for Detection of Low-Level Resistance to Fluoroquinolones in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Varon Emmanuelle , Houssaye Serge , Grondin Sophie , Gutmann Laurent 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT
With respect to pneumococci, there is a need to detect first-step mutants with reduced fluoroquinolone (FQ) susceptibility from which second-step, resistant mutants are likely to be selected in the presence of antipneumococcal FQs. Here, we describe an interpretative disk diffusion test, of which three options are presented, that allows the distinction between first- and second-step mutants. Using five FQ disks (pefloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and sparfloxacin, option 1), all known mechanisms of altered FQ susceptibility found in first-step mutants (ParC, ParE, GyrA, or efflux) and in second-step mutants (ParC and GyrA or ParE and GyrA) can be accurately detected, making this option a useful epidemiological tool. Using three FQ disks (pefloxacin, norfloxacin, and levofloxacin, option 2), the most prevalent FQ-resistant mutants, but not the first-step GyrA mutants, can be detected. With only two FQ disks (norfloxacin and levofloxacin) in the third and simplest option, first-step mutants can be distinguished from second-step mutants, however, without differentiation of ParC, ParE, or efflux alterations.
Pharmacokinetics of Enfuvirtide in Patients Treated in Typical Routine Clinical Settings
Authors: Stocker Hartmut , Kloft Charlotte , Plock Nele , Breske Antje , Kruse Guido , Herzmann Christian , Schulbin Hubert , Kreckel Peter , Weber Christoph , Goebel Frank , Roeling Joerg , Staszewski Schlomo , Plettenberg Andreas , Moecklinghoff Christiane , Arastéh Keikawus , Kurowski Michael 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTTherapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is gaining importance for improving the success of antiretroviral treatment in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. However, enfuvirtide (ENF) concentrations are not regularly determined. The objective of this work was to study the pharmacokinetics (PK) of ENF in patients treated in routine clinical settings, to develop a population PK model describing the concentration-time profile, and to establish PK reference values. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and applied to serum samples submitted for TDM. A two-compartment model with linear absorption and elimination was fitted to 329 concentrations from 131 patients. The PK model was used for simulations resulting in percentile curves for ENF levels for the full dosing interval. The model predicted that a median concentration of 1,968 ng/ml would be reached 12 h after administration of 90 mg of ENF, and 23% and 58% of patients are expected to have concentrations below 1,000 ng/ml and 2,200 ng/ml, respectively. Both values have been proposed as cutoffs for virological efficacy. The median maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax) of 3,943 ng/ml, predicted for 3 h after drug administration, is lower than theCmaxreported previously. We found an enormous interpatient variability at every time point, with concentration spectrums covering >1 log and 52% and 123% interindividual variabilities in the typical clearance and volume of distribution, respectively, in contrast to preexisting PK data. In summary, ENF levels are lower and more variable than expected. Many patients may achieve insufficient concentrations. Further covariate analysis in the population PK model might help to identify factors influencing the variability in ENF concentrations.