bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enantioselective Epoxidation of α,β‐Enones by Electrophilic Activation with a BINOL—Zinc Catalyst.
Authors: Minatti Ana , Doetz Karl Heinz 
Published: April 2006

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Novel Tricyclic Pyrimido[4,5‐b][1,4]benzothiazepines via Bischler—Napieralski‐Type Reactions
Authors: Fu Renzhong , Xu Xianxiu , Dang Qun , Bai Xu 
Published: April 2006

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Hypercarbons in Polyhedral Structures
Authors: Jemmis Eluvathingal D. , Jayasree Elambalassery G. , Parameswaran Pattiyil 
Published: April 2006

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reaction–diffusion systems for the microscopic cellular model of the cardiac electric field
Authors: Veneroni Marco 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe paper deals with a mathematical model for the electric activity of the heart at microscopic level. The membrane model used to describe the ionic currents is a generalization of the phase‐I Luo–Rudy, a model widely used in 2‐D and 3‐D simulations of the action potential propagation. From the mathematical viewpoint the model is made up of a parabolic reaction diffusion system coupled with an ODE system. We derive existence and some regularity results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The stimulus–response curve and motor unit variability in normal subjects and subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Henderson R. D. , Ridall G. R. , Pettitt A. N. , McCombe P. A. , Daube J. R. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe behavior and stability of motor units (MUs) in response to electrical stimulation of different intensities can be assessed with the stimulus–response curve, which is a graphical representation of the size of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in relation to stimulus intensity. To examine MU characteristics across the whole stimulus range, the variability of CMAP responses to electrical stimulation, and the differences that occur between normal and disease states, the curve was studied in 11 normal subjects and 16 subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In normal subjects, the curve showed a gradual increase in CMAP size with increasing stimulus intensity, although one or two discrete steps were sometimes observed in the upper half of the curve, indicating the activation of large MUs at higher intensities. In ALS subjects, large discrete steps, due to loss of MUs and collateral sprouting, were frequently present. Variability of the CMAP responses was greater than baseline variability, indicating variability of MU responses, and at certain levels this variability was up to 100 μVms. The stimulus–response curve shows differences between normal and ALS subjects and provides information on MU activation and variability throughout the curve. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Symbolic model checking of extended finite state machines with linear constraints over integer variables
Authors: Takenaka Takashi , Okano Kozo , Higashino Teruo , Taniguchi Kenichi 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWe propose a symbolic model checking algorithm for a class of extended finite state machines equipped with integer variables (FSM/int). An FSM/int has several constraints on variable assignments, such as a variable of FSM/int keeps its value until the control visits at the definition transition and new value is fed via external input. Our model checking algorithm verifies whether an FSM/int satisfies a property described in CTL‐like expressions over integer variables. We have implemented a model checker, and verified that blackjack dealer circuits and a packet multiplex protocol satisfy some designated properties. We have found that the verification of systems with 100 states and 10 integer variables can be carried out in a few seconds in most cases (in the worst case, a few minutes). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(6): 64–72, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20264
A stability analysis of non-time-periodic perturbations of buoyancy-induced flows in pure water near 4 °C
Authors: El-Henawy I. M. , Hassard B. D. , Kazarinoff N. D. 
Published: April 2006

A new approach to determine stability of multiple steady-state similarity solutions corresponding to laminar flows is introduced and applied to laminar flows in cold, pure water at temperature T∞ °C (near 4 °C) adjacent to a vertical, isothermal, plane surface at temperature T0 °C when 0 < R ≡ (4−T∞)/(T0−T∞) < 0.5, the region of buoyancy-force reversals. The results show that the steady-state similarity solutions recently found in this region by El-Henawy et al. (1982) are unstable, and thus should not be observed experimentally; while those solutions found earlier by Carey, Gebhart & Mollendorf (1980) may be stable. No unstable modes corresponding to their solutions were found. Some flows for R in the range of strong buoyancy-force reversals, 0.14 < R < 0.32 at Prandtl number Pr = 11.6, have been observed, for example at R = 0.143,0.254 and 0.317 by Carey & Gebhart (1981) and Wilson & Vyas (1979). The latter found time-varying flows in this region of strongest flow reversals.The advantages of the method introduced are reduction of mathematical shortcomings of the traditional approach and relative ease of numerical calculation of the real eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. The disadvantage is that information on downstream, selective frequency, exponential growth of amplitude is lost. The theory presented may be regarded as an asymptotic limit of the standard hydrodynamic theory as the frequency of perturbations approaches zero.
On the entrainment rate across a density interface
Authors: Nokes R. I. 
Published: April 2006

Mixed-layer deepening due to grid-generated turbulence is studied experimentally with the aim of explaining the contradictory results of previous studies. Entrainment rates are calculated at fixed distances from the grid in order to avoid the necessity of using an empirical expression for the decay of the turbulent velocity scale. It is shown that an incorrect form of this decay law can cause large errors in the predicted Richardson number dependence of the entrainment rate. For this study this dependence can be expressed as a power law of the form E = KRi−1,2. The spread of the results imply that an error of at least ± 10% is realistic in the determination of the exponent.The turbulent velocity decay law is also deduced from the data, and it is found that the decay cannot be represented by a simple power law. Indeed two distinct flow regions, with differing decay rates, are present.
Viscous oscillations of a supported drop in an immiscible fluid
Authors: Strani M. , Sabetta F. 
Published: April 2006

The small-amplitude free vibrations of a spherical drop immersed in an outer
immiscible fluid and in partial contact with a solid support are considered when both fluids are assumed to be viscous and incompressible, while gravity effects are neglected. Using the normal-mode decomposition and the Green-function method, the solution of the linearized Navier-Stokes equations is reduced to the solution of an eigenvalue problem. The model includes as particular cases the viscous model for a free drop proposed by Prosperetti (1980) and the inviscid model for a supported drop previously proposed by the authors.The influence of the viscosity and of the support size are analysed both for the bubble and for the drop. At large values of the viscosity, the free drop shows significant differences with respect to the unsupported drop and a singular behaviour of the eigenvalue problem as the support size tends to zero.The comparison with the available experimental data shows a quite satisfactory agreement for both the vibration frequency and the damping constant, provided that the support angle is not too large.
The effect of fluvastatin on plasma adiponectin levels in dyslipidaemia
Authors: Sonmez Alper , Dogru Teoman , Tasci Ilker , Yilmaz M. Ilker , Pinar Murat , Naharci Ilkin , Bingol Necati , Kilic Selim , Demirtas Ayla , Bingol Sezin , Ozgurtas Taner , Erikci Selahattin 
Published: April 2006

SummaryObjective  There is controversy about the effects of statins on insulin resistance and plasma adiponectin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fluvastatin treatment on these parameters in a group of dyslipidaemic patients who had no confounding factors for insulin resistance or alterations in plasma adiponectin.Design and patients  Forty‐nine patients [27 males, 22 females; mean age 47·2 ± 10·3 years; body mass index (BMI) 29·64 ± 3·2 kg/m2] with dyslipidaemia and 20 controls (six males, 14 females; mean age 45·3 ± 9·31 years; BMI 30·07 ± 4·04 kg/m2) were enrolled. All patients were treated initially with therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) for 6 weeks. Six out of 49 subjects were excluded from the study. Then, 24 out of 43 patients with high blood cholesterol despite TLC were allocated to fluvastatin 80 mg daily plus TLC, and the remaining 19 patients with normal cholesterol were subjected to TLC alone for additional 12 weeks.Measurements  Plasma adiponectin, immunoreactive insulin levels, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, and glucose were determined. The insulin sensitivity index was quantified using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA).Results  TLC caused significant improvement in plasma insulin (P = 0·02) and elevation in plasma adiponectin (P = 0·02). Fluvastatin treatment decreased total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol significantly (P = 0·01 and P = 0·02, respectively). No significant effect of fluvastatin was observed on plasma insulin or adiponectin or on the HOMA index.Conclusions  Fluvastatin does not improve plasma adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity, despite its beneficial effects on lipid levels. Our data, however, were limited by the fact that a more accurate method of assessing insulin sensitivity, the euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamp technique, was not used.
The N‐terminal ATPase AT‐hook‐containing region of the Arabidopsis chromatin‐remodeling protein SPLAYED is sufficient for biological activity
Authors: Su Yanhui , Kwon Chang Seob , Bezhani Staver , Huvermann Bärbel , Chen Changbin , Peragine Angela , Kennedy John F. , Wagner Doris 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe SNF2‐like chromatin‐remodeling ATPase SPLAYED (SYD) was identified as a co‐activator of floral homeotic gene expression in Arabidopsis. SYD is also required for meristem maintenance and regulates flowering under a non‐inductive photoperiod. SNF2 ATPases are structurally and functionally conserved from yeast to humans. In addition to the conserved protein features, SYD has a large unique C‐terminal domain. We show here that SYD is present as two forms in the nucleus, full‐length and truncated, with the latter apparently lacking the C‐terminal domain. The ratio of the two forms of endogenous SYD differs in juvenile and in adult tissues. Furthermore, an SYD variant lacking the C‐terminal domain (SYDΔC) rescues the syd null mutant, indicating that the N‐terminal ATPase AT‐hook‐containing region of SYD is sufficient for biological activity. Plants expressing SYDΔC show molecular and morphological phenotypes opposite to those of the null mutant, suggesting that the construct results in increased activity. This increased activity is at least in part due to elevated SYD protein levels in these lines. We propose that the C‐terminal domain may control SYD accumulation and/or specific activity in the context of the full‐length protein. The presence of the C‐terminal domain in rice SYD suggests that its role is probably conserved in the two classes of flowering plants.
Higher cut‐off index value of immunoglobulin M antibody to hepatitis B core antigen in Taiwanese patients with hepatitis B
Authors: Huang Yi‐Wen , Lin Chih‐Lin , Chen Pei‐Jer , Lai Ming‐Yang , Kao Jia‐Horng , Chen Ding‐Shinn 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground:  The cut‐off index value of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc; AxSYM CORE‐M, Abbott) for diagnosing acute hepatitis B is 1.2. A high false‐positive rate of IgM anti‐HBc was observed in acute flare‐ups of chronic hepatitis B in Taiwanese patients. Thus the purpose of the present paper was to study the optimal index value of IgM anti‐HBc in Taiwanese subjects.Methods:  The peak index values of 42 IgM anti‐HBc‐positive patients were collected. There were 20 acute hepatitis B patients and 22 patients with chronic hepatitis B with acute flare. The biochemical, virological, and serological data were obtained.Results:  There were significant differences in mean age (36 vs 47 years, P = 0.01), serum alanine aminotransferase level (2042 U/L vs 1193 U/L, P = 0.02) and peak index value of IgM anti‐HBc (2.9 vs 1.5, P < 0.01) between patients with acute hepatitis B and those with acute flare of chronic hepatitis B. Eleven (50%) of 22 patients with chronic hepatitis B with acute flare had index value of >1.2. The optimal cut‐off index value to differentiate acute hepatitis B from chronic hepatitis B with acute flare was 2.4–2.5, with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 90%.Conclusions:  The cut‐off index value of IgM anti‐HBc to differentiate acute hepatitis B from chronic hepatitis B with acute flare among Taiwanese patients should be set at 2.4–2.5 instead of 0.8–1.2.
Involvement of retinoic acid‐induced transglutaminase activity in zonal differences of hepatocyte proliferation after partial hepatectomy
Authors: Ohtake Yosuke , Maruko Akiko , Abe Shinya , Nagashima Tomomi , Fukumoto Manabu , Ohkubo Yasuhito 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground:  The authors have recently demonstrated that there is inverse correlation between transglutaminase (TGase) activity and DNA synthesis in periportal hepatocytes (PPH) and perivenous hepatocytes (PVH) at 1 day after partial hepatectomy in rats. In order to ensure the involvement of TGase in the differential growth capacities between periportal and perivenous regions of regenerating liver, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of retinoic acid, an inducer of TGase expression, on zonal differences of hepatocyte proliferation between PPH and PVH isolated from regenerating rat liver.Methods:  Regenerating liver was prepared by 70% partial hepatectomy. PPH and PVH subpopulations were isolated by the digitonin/collagenase perfusion technique. Cell cycle was evaluated for incorporation of BrdU into hepatocytes and detected by flow cytometric analysis. TGase activity was determined by incorporation of 14C‐putrescine into dimethylcasein.Results:  When retinoic acid was injected immediately after partial hepatectomy, TGase activity greatly increased in both PPH and PVH at 1 day after partial hepatectomy, and activity was higher in PPH than in PVH. DNA synthesis in both subpopulations did not increase 1 day after partial hepatectomy, with peaks of DNA synthesis shifting to 2 days, and synthesis was higher in PVH than in PPH.Conclusion:  These results suggest that TGase might be involved in differential growth capacities between periportal and perivenous regions of regenerating rat liver after partial hepatectomy.
Selective representation of task‐relevant objects and locations in the monkey prefrontal cortex
Authors: Everling Stefan , Tinsley Chris J. , Gaffan David , Duncan John 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn the monkey prefrontal cortex (PFC), task context exerts a strong influence on neural activity. We examined different aspects of task context in a temporal search task. On each trial, the monkey (Macaca mulatta) watched a stream of pictures presented to left or right of fixation. The task was to hold fixation until seeing a particular target, and then to make an immediate saccade to it. Sometimes (unilateral task), the attended pictures appeared alone, with a cue at trial onset indicating whether they would be presented to left or right. Sometimes (bilateral task), the attended picture stream (cued side) was accompanied by an irrelevant stream on the opposite side. In two macaques, we recorded responses from a total of 161 cells in the lateral PFC. Many cells (75/161) showed visual responses. Object‐selective responses were strongly shaped by task relevance – with stronger responses to targets than to nontargets, failure to discriminate one nontarget from another, and filtering out of information from an irrelevant stimulus stream. Location selectivity occurred rather independently of object selectivity, and independently in visual responses and delay periods between one stimulus and the next. On error trials, PFC activity followed the correct rules of the task, rather than the incorrect overt behaviour. Together, these results suggest a highly programmable system, with responses strongly determined by the rules and requirements of the task performed.
Development Policy Lending, Conditionality, and Ownership: A Dynamic Agency Model Perspective
Authors: Paloni Alberto , Zanardi Maurizio 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIs the World Bank's Development Policy Lending likely to enhance ownership and have greater effectiveness than structural adjustment? We specify a dynamic common agency model in which a government considering economic reform faces domestic opposition from interest groups. The dynamic specification, which is original in the context of policy reforms supported by the International Financial Institutions (IFIs), is essential to allow the strength of special interest groups to arise endogenously during the reform process. We show that conditionality may alter the country's political equilibrium and lead to higher social welfare. However, under certain circumstances which depend on country‐specific circumstances, conditional assistance could lead to lower social welfare. Thus, for conditionality not to be inconsistent with ownership, its design must be appropriate to the country circumstances and directly affect the domestic political constraint.
Multiple nodules of the scrotum: histopathological findings and surgical procedure. A study of five cases
Authors: Noël B , Bron C , Künzle N , De Heller M , Panizzon RG 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Multiple nodules of the scrotum are uncommonly reported. Their origin is controversial. Treatment is always surgical but the best procedure is still to be determined.Materials and methods  Five new cases are reported with description of the histopathological findings and surgical procedure.Results  Nodules of the scrotum were more frequent in patients with dark skin suggesting an ethnic susceptibility. No other predisposing factors were noted. Screening for disturbances of phosphate or calcium balance was negative. The following histopathological findings were observed: non‐calcified epidermoid cysts (3 patients), calcified epidermoid cysts (1 patient) and nodular calcifications without epithelial or glandular structures (1 patient). Subtotal excisions of the scrotum wall using tumescent anaesthesia were performed in all patients without any significant complications. Cosmetic results were excellent. No new lesions were observed during the 1‐year follow‐up period.Conclusions  Most cases of multiple nodules of the scrotum are due to non‐calcified epidermoid cysts. The term scrotal calcinosis is therefore probably abusively used by many authors. Some cases of nodular calcifications may be due to dystrophic calcification of epidermoid cysts, but calcifications may also occur without any visible epithelial or glandular structure. Subtotal excision of the scrotum wall is a safe and effective surgical procedure to treat multiple nodules of the scrotum. Cosmetic results are excellent and recurrences are rare.
Individual planning: an exploration of the link between quality of plan and quality of life
Authors: Adams Lynn , Beadle‐Brown Julie , Mansell Jim 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIndividual plans for people with intellectual disabilities were evaluated for quality and effectiveness in improving quality of life. Quality was assessed by rating whether goals were relevant, observable, age appropriate, necessary, timetabled, developmental, measurable, realistic, assigned to staff and improving at least one of O'Brien's five service accomplishments [O'Brien & Tyne (1981)The principle of normalization: a foundation for effective services. London, Campaign for the Mentally Handicapped]. Effectiveness was assessed by examining quality of life outcomes for participants with and without individual plans rated as higher quality. No significant difference in outcomes associated with having a higher quality individual plan was found. Findings present a challenge to current expectations that presence and quality of individual plan goals are associated with improved outcomes. Written individual plan goals may not be directly correlated with actual practice, and further research is required to examine this.
Suicidal Behavior in Alcohol‐Dependent Subjects: The Role of Personality Disorders
Authors: Preuss Ulrich W. , Koller Gabriele , Barnow Sven , Eikmeier Markus , Soyka Michael 
Published: April 2006

Background: Comobidity of personality disorders (PDs) and alcohol dependence are considered to increase the risk for suicidal behavior. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder—fourth edition (DSM–IV) personality characteristics and comorbid axis I disorders on suicidal behavior in alcohol‐dependent inpatients.Methods: Characteristics of alcohol dependence and suicidal behavior were obtained using the Semi‐Structured Assessment on Genetics in Alcoholism (SSAGA). Personality disorder characteristics were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis II Disorders.Results: Three‐hundred seventy‐six treatment‐seeking alcohol‐dependent subjects, of whom 55% were diagnosed to have a PD and approximately 25% had a history of at least 1 suicide attempt, were enrolled into the study. Subjects with PDs in all clusters reported a higher rate of suicide attempt history, depression episodes, and depression during the most serious attempt. As indicated by univariate and multivarate analysis, this pattern of suicide attempt characteristics was most pronounced in borderline disordered subjects and alcoholic individuals who live alone.Conclusion: Subjects with alcohol dependence who have various comorbid PDs and depression deserve special attention in psychiatric care to prevent suicide. Psychotherapeutic strategies may have to be adapted to treat this high‐risk population.
Chronic Smoking and Alcoholism Change Expression of Selective Genes in the Human Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Flatscher‐Bader Traute , Wilce Peter A. 
Published: April 2006

Background:Alcoholism is commonly associated with chronic smoking. A number of gene expression profiles of regions within the human mesocorticolimbic system have identified potential alcohol‐sensitive genes; however, the influence of smoking on these changes was not taken into account. This study addressed the impact of alcohol and smoking on the expression of 4 genes, previously identified as alcoholism‐sensitive, in the human prefrontal cortex (PFC).Methods:mRNA expression of apolipoprotein D, tissue inhibitor of the metalloproteinase 3, high‐affinity glial glutamate transporter and midkine, was measured in the PFC of alcoholic subjects and controls with and without smoking comorbidity using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:The results show that alcohol affects transcription of some of these genes. Additionally, smoking has a marked influence on gene expression.Conclusion:This study emphasizes the need for careful case selection in future gene expression studies to delineate the adaptive molecular process associated with smoking and alcohol.