bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Synaptic Transmission in the Rat Nucleus of the Solitary Tract by Endomorphin-1
Authors: Glatzer Nicholas R. , Smith Bret N.
Published: December 2004

Activation of opioid receptors in the periphery and centrally in the brain results in inhibition of gastric and other vagally mediated functions. The aim of this study was to examine the role of the endogenous opioid agonist endomorphin 1 (EM-1) in regulating synaptic transmission within the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), an integration site for autonomic functions. We performed whole cell patch-clamp recordings from coronal brain slices of the rat medulla. A subset of the neurons studied was prelabeled with a stomach injection of the transsynaptic retrograde virus expressing EGFP, PRV-152. Solitary tract stimulation resulted in constant latency excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) that were decreased in amplitude by EM-1 (0.01–10 μM). The paired-pulse ratio was increased with little change in input resistance, suggesting a presynaptic mechanism. Spontaneous EPSCs were decreased in both frequency and amplitude by EM-1, and miniature EPSCs were reduced in frequency but not amplitude, suggesting a presynaptic mechanism for the effect. Spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were also reduced in frequency by EM-1, but the effect was blocked by TTX, suggesting activity at receptors on the somata of local inhibitory neurons. Synaptic input arising from local NTS neurons, which were activated by focal photolysis of caged glutamate, was inhibited by EM-1. The actions of EM-1 were similar to those of d-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and were blocked by naltrexone, d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTOP), or d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTAP). These results suggest that EM-1 acts at μ-opioid receptors to modulate viscerosensory input and specific components of local synaptic circuitry in the NTS.
From Corporatism to Liberalization in Zimbabwe: Economic Policy Regimes and Political Crisis, 1980–97
Authors: Brett Edward A.
Published: December 2004

This article analyzes the shift from corporatist to liberal economic policy regimes in Zimbabwe that led to the crisis of the late 1990s. It outlines the rationale for both regimes, the reasons for their introduction and major achievements and failures, and how they contributed to the subsequent adoption of the dysfunctional policies of the late 1990s. It argues that the failures of both these regimes were avoidable, and the outcome of “political” rather than economic variables. It concludes by calling for economic policies that take more account of their political implications, and of the need to strengthen state capacity in weak states.
The CAST (Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test)
Authors: Williams Jo , Scott Fiona , Stott Carol , Allison Carrie , Bolton Patrick , Baron-Cohen Simon , Brayne Carol
Published: December 2004

The Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST) is a parental questionnaire to screen for autism spectrum conditions. In this validation study, the CAST was distributed to 1925 children aged 5-11 in mainstream Cambridgeshire schools. A sample of participants received a full diagnostic assessment, conducted blind to screen status. The sensitivity of the CAST, at a designated cut-point of 15, was 100 percent, the specificity was 97 percent and the positive predictive value was 50 percent, using the group’s consensus diagnosis as the gold standard. The accuracy indices varied with the case definition used. The sensitivity of the accuracy statistics to case definition and to missing data was explored. The CAST is useful as a screening test for autism spectrum conditions in epidemiological research. There is not currently enough evidence to recommend the use of the CAST as a screening test within a public health screening programme in the general population.
Functional analysis ofCLPT1, a Rab/GTPase required for protein secretion and pathogenesis in the plant fungal pathogenColletotrichum lindemuthianum
Authors: Siriputthaiwan Piyawan , Jauneau Alain , Herbert Corentin , Garcin Daphné , Dumas Bernard
Published: December 2004

In eukaryotic cells, Rab/GTPases are major regulators of vesicular trafficking and are involved in essential processes including exocytosis, endocytosis and cellular differentiation. To investigate the role of these proteins in fungal pathogenicity, a dominant-negative mutant allele of CLPT1, a Rab/GTPase of the bean pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, was expressed in transgenic strains. This mutated gene encodes the amino-acid substitution N123I analogous to the N133I substitution in a known trans-dominant inhibitor of the Sec4 Rab/GTPase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A pectinase gene promoter was used to drive the CLPT1(N123I) allele in C. lindemuthianum, allowing the expression of the foreign gene on pectin medium and during pathogenesis, but not on glucose. The same strategy was used to overexpress the wild-type CLPT1 allele. During growth on pectin medium, production of extracellular pectinases was strongly impaired only in CLPT1(N123I)-expressing strains. Cytological analysis revealed that CLPT1(N123I) strains accumulated intracellular aggregates only on pectin, resulting from the fusion of vesicles containing polysaccharides or glycoproteins. Moreover, these strains showed a severe reduction of pathogenesis and were unable to penetrate the host cells. These results indicated that the Rab/GTPase CLPT1 is essential for fungal pathogenesis by regulating the intracellular transport of secretory vesicles involved in the delivery of proteins to the extracellular medium and differentiation of infectious structures.
Profilin regulates the activity of p42POP, a novel Myb-related transcription factor
Authors: Lederer Marcell , Jockusch Brigitte M. , Rothkegel Martin
Published: December 2004

Profilins, regulators of cytoplasmic actin dynamics, also bind to several nuclear proteins but the significance of these interactions is mostly unclear. Here, we describe a novel Myb-related transcription factor, p42POP, as a new ligand for profilin and show that profilin regulates its activity. p42POP comprises a unique combination of domains and is widely expressed in mouse tissues. In contrast to many other Myb proteins, it contains only one functional tryptophan-cluster motif. This is followed by an acidic domain, a leucine zipper that mediates dimerization and functional nuclear import and export signals that can direct p42POP to either the nuclear or the cytoplasmic compartment. Binding to profilins is mediated by a proline-rich cluster. p42POP-profilin complexes can be precipitated from cell lysates. In transfected cells displaying p42POP in the nucleus, nuclear profilin is markedly increased. When p42POP is anchored at mitochondrial membranes, profilin is targeted to this location. Hence, in a cellular environment, p42POP and profilin are found in the same protein complex. In luciferase assays, p42POP acts as repressor and this activity is substantially reduced by profilins, indicating that profilin can regulate p42POP activity and is therefore involved in gene regulation.
Models and Managers: The Concept of a Decision Calculus
Authors: Little John D. C.
Published: December 2004

(This article originally appeared in Management Science, April 1970, Volume 16, Number 8, pp. B-466–B-485, published by The Institute of Management Sciences.)

A manager tries to put together the various resources under his control into an activity that achieves his objectives. A model of his operation can assist him but probably will not unless it meets certain requirements. A model that is to be used by a manager should be simple, robust, easy to control, adaptive, as complete as possible, and easy to communicate with. By simple is meant easy to understand; by robust, hard to get absurd answers from; by easy to control, that the user knows what input data would be required to produce desired output answers; adaptive means that the model can be adjusted as new information is acquired; completeness implies that important phenomena will be included even if they require judgmental estimates of their effect; and, finally, easy to communicate with means that the manager can quickly and easily change inputs and obtain and understand the outputs.

Such a model consists of a set of numerical procedures for processing data and judgments to assist managerial decision making and so will be called a decision calculus. An example from marketing is described. It is an on-line model for use by product managers on advertising budgeting questions. The model is currently in trial use by several product managers.
Sheldon God and Production in a Guatemalan Town
Authors: Maloney Tom
Published: December 2004

Annis Sheldon God and Production in. Guatemalan Town. University of Texas Press, Austin.
Book Reviews
Authors: Katz Naomi , McCuckin Eric , Marie Small Linda , Simon Scott , Zimmer Richard
Published: December 2004

Sister Jamaica:. Study of Women, Work and Household in Kingston. A. Lynn Bolles. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 1996.

ReORIENT: Global Economy in the Asian Age. Andre Gunder Frank. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998.

Laboring in the Fields of the Lord: Spanish Missions and Southeastern Indians. Jerald T. Milamch. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1999.

The Trading Crowd: An Ethnography of the Shanghai Stock Market. Ellen Hertz. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998.

Analysing Community Work: Its Theory and Practice. Keith Popple. Buckingham, UK, and Philadelphia: Open University Press, 1995.
Book Reviews
Authors: O'Neill Tom
Published: December 2004

Producing Against Poverty: Female and Male Micro‐Entrepreneurs in Lima, Peru. Annelou Ypeij. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Amsterdam University Press, 2000.
Hungry for Hope: On the Cultural and Communicative Dimensions of Development in Highland Ecuador
Authors: Coe Kathryn
Published: December 2004

Hungry for Hope: On the Cultural and Communicative Dimensions of Development in Highland Ecuador. Carmen G. Hess. London: Intermediate Technology Publications Ltd.
Tonal and Nagual In Otomi Thought: Totemic Symbols of Caring
Authors: Dow James
Published: December 2004

The terms “tonal” and “nagual” refer to the supernatural companion animals in which Mesoamerican Indians believe. The meaning of the companion animals for one group of Indians, the Otomi of the Sierra Norte de Puebla. is analyzed. Most of the data for analysis comes from the teachings of a practicing Otomi shaman. The conclusion is that there is only one superhuman animal belief, which is described at different times with the two Nahuatl‐Spanish words “tonal” and “nagual.” Both companion animal images symbolize a feeling of concern for the sick patient and are utilized by shamans in curing rituals.
Child Survival in Community Contexts
Authors: Andes Nancy
Published: December 2004

Characteristics of community contexts important to child survival in Third World countries are reviewed. The type of economic production and stratification system, women's position, medical care and public health services, and cultural practices constrain and provide resources to individuals living within a community. Child survival viewed within the community context expands upon structural forces affecting mortality differentials.
Beauty from the Earth: Pueblo Indian Pottery from The University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (1990)
Authors: McChesney Lea S.
Published: December 2004

J.J. Brody Beauty from the Earth: Pueblo Indian Pottery from The University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. With. brief essay by Rebecca Allen. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1990. xii. 100pp., map, plates, table, figures, illustrations, references, and catalogue compendium. $19.95 (paper).
A concept for the clinical implementation of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast carcinoma with special regard to quality assurance
Authors: Kuehn Thorsten , Bembenek Andreas , Decker Thomas , Munz Dieter Ludwig , Sautter‐Bihl Marie‐Luise , Untch Michael , Wallwiener Diethelm ,   For the Consensus Committee of the German Society of Senology
Published: December 2004

The development of standardized and reproducible clinical pathways is an important precondition for quality assurance in medicine, especially if a new method has not yet been ultimately validated. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a widely accepted new surgical procedure in the treatment of early breast carcinoma. However, numerous steps of the method and details of the technique are not standardized and, thus, hamper quality assurance for SLNB. The German Society of Senology appointed an interdisciplinary consensus committee to work out guidelines for the standardized performance and quality‐assured implementation of SLNB on a nationwide, homogeneous standard. The committee consisted of surgeons, gynecologists, radiooncologists, nuclear physicians, oncologists, and pathologists. Relevant questions related to patient selection, lymphatic mapping, surgery, histopathologic work‐up, further local and systemic treatment decisions, patient information, training, and follow‐up were evaluated with respect to clinical evidence, objectivity, and reproducibility. Clinical pathways were developed on the basis of this analysis. Requirements to the performing institutions and surgeons were defined. Cancer 2005. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Racial treatment trends in localized/regional prostate carcinoma: 1992–1999
Authors: Underwood Willie , Jackson James , Wei John T. , Dunn Rodney , Baker Edmond , DeMonner Sonya , Wood David P.
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND

African‐American men have a greater incidence of and mortality from prostate carcinoma compared with white men, and they are less likely to receive definitive therapy (radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation therapy). During the 1990s, the use of brachytherapy increased; however, its influence on racial and ethnic prostate carcinoma treatment trends remains unclear. The objective of this study was to describe treatment trends over the period 1992–1999 for localized/regional prostate carcinoma among white, Hispanic, and African‐American men.

METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry data from 1992 through 1999, logistic regression models were used to determine whether the odds of receiving a specific treatment modality differed by racial and ethnic group and whether the differences changed over time when the models were adjusted for age, marital status, tumor grade, and SEER site (geography).

RESULTS

The authors identified 142,340 men, including white men (81.6%), Hispanic men (6.4%), and African‐American men (12.0%). Racial and ethnic differences in the rates of use of androgen‐deprivation therapy/expectant management were noted; however, these differences appeared to lessen over time (P < 0.001). The rate of utilization of radical prostatectomy increased for Hispanic men, remained flat for African‐American men, and decreased for white men. The utilization of brachytherapy and combination therapy increased for all three groups; however, the greatest increase in utilization was among white men.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research will be required to determine the patient‐level and provider‐level variables that influence racial and ethnic treatment differences in localized/regional prostate cancer. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Multicenter determination of optimal interobserver agreement using the Fuhrman grading system for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lang Hervé , Lindner Véronique , de Fromont Marc , Molinié Vincent , Letourneux Hervé , Meyer Nicolas , Martin Mael , Jacqmin Didier
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND

The Fuhrman system is the most widely used nuclear grading system for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Although Fuhrman nuclear grade is widely accepted as a significant prognostic factor, its reproducibility, as reported in the limited number of series available in the literature, appears to be low.

METHODS

Between 1980 and 1990, 255 cases of RCC (pT1–3bN0M0) were treated with radical nephrectomy at the Department of Urology, University Hospital, Strasbourg, France. In a retrospective multicenter study, 3 pathologists independently classified 241 of these 255 cases according to the Fuhrman grading system. The authors searched for optimal interobserver agreement by collapsing the grading system to a three‐tiered scheme and then to a two‐tiered scheme. In addition, overall survival curves were generated according to the classic four‐tiered scheme and also according to the best collapsed scheme. The kappa index was used to assess the level of agreement between each pair of observers, and the Cox model was used for multivariate survival analyses.

RESULTS

The mean interobserver κ value was 0.22 (range, 0.09–0.36). The best concordance was obtained by collapsing to a system in which low‐grade (Grade 1–2) disease was compared with high‐grade (Grade 3–4) disease. Doing so improved the mean interobserver κ value to 0.44 (range, 0.32–0.55). Fuhrman grade was an independent prognostic factor for all 3 pathologists (P = 0.01, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.004, respectively), and nuclear grade continued to have independent prognostic value after the optimal collapsing algorithm was performed (P = 0.004, P = 0.0003, and P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Collapsing of the Fuhrman grading system to a two‐tiered scheme led to an improvement in interobserver agreement while preserving the independent prognostic value of nuclear grade. Cancer 2005. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Treatment of 72 newly diagnosed Waldenström macroglobulinemia cases with oral melphalan, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone
Authors: Annibali Ombretta , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Martini Vincenza , Tirindelli Maria Cristina , Levi Anna , Fossati Carolina , Bianco Patrizia Del , Mandelli Franco , Foa Robin , Avvisati Giuseppe
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND

Current treatment regimens for Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) are based on the use of oral alkylating agents. Recently, however, other more costly agents have been proposed for the treatment of WM. In the current study, the authors report on results obtained using oral melphalan, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone (MCP) to treat 72 patients with WM, and they compare these results (and the associated costs) with those observed using more aggressive protocols.

METHODS

Between July 1973 and April 2002, the authors documented overexpression of the immunoglobulin M paraprotein in 317 consecutive patients. Of these, 100 had newly diagnosed WM, and the 72 who were symptomatic were treated using the MCP protocol. Response rate, overall survival (OS), response duration, freedom from progression (FFP), event‐free survival (EFS) duration, toxicity, and cost per course in Euro and U.S. dollars were evaluated for patients receiving this regimen.

RESULTS

Seventy‐one of 72 patients (99%) were evaluable. Of these patients, 55 (77%) achieved a response; 7 others (10%) experienced disease stabilization, and the remaining 9 (13%) experienced disease progression. After a median follow‐up of 72 months (range, 3–195 months), the median durations of EFS, FFP, response, and OS were 47, 55, 64, and 66 months, respectively. No World Health Organization Grade III or IV toxicities were observed, and side effects were limited to transient nausea, emesis, and mild neutropenia. The cost per course of the MCP regimen was $16, similar to that of standard protocols involving chlorambucil and much less than that of more aggressive protocols (price range, $91–11091) proposed for the treatment of WM.

CONCLUSIONS

Like chlorambucil‐based protocols, the MCP regimen is a cost‐effective and safe option for the treatment of patients with WM. Furthermore, the results obtained do not appear to be inferior to those yielded by more expensive, aggressive, and toxic intravenous protocols. Cancer 2005. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Wallace's unfinished business: The “Other Man” in evolutionary theory
Authors: Smith Charles H.
Published: December 2004

After a century in the shadows, Alfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913) has recently become the subject of increasing attention. It is suggested here, expanding on observations made by anthropologist Gregory Bateson some years ago, that Wallace's cybernetics‐like view of the operation of natural selection—as a governor‐like principle tending to keep species unvarying—can be expanded to a more complete evolutionary understanding by exploring in modern context Wallace's idea that “more recondite forces” are driving the process. Specifically, when the environment is regarded as a final cause (but not a deterministic force), individual adaptations may be viewed as entropy‐relaying structures (acting in response to, and as a part of, larger scale biogeochemical agenda), whereas negentropy is accumulated by nonrandomly directed organism‐ and population‐level forms of ecological engagement. Thus, range change in particular is viewed as a process that is both driven and nonrandom, and ultimately connected to the derivation of more and more organized individual, population, and community structures. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 10:25–32, 2004
Non–heparan sulfate‐binding interactions of endostatin/collagen XVIII in murine development
Authors: Rychkova Natalia , Stahl Sonja , Gaetzner Sabine , Felbor Ute
Published: December 2004

Knobloch syndrome is characterized by a congenital generalized eye disease and cranial defect. Pathogenic mutations preferentially lead to a deletion or functional alteration of collagen XVIII's most C‐terminal endostatin domain. Endostatin can be released from collagen XVIII and is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and tumor growth. We show differential expression of binding partners for endostatin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the collagen XV endostatin homologue in murine embryonal development using a set of alkaline phosphatase fusion proteins. Consistent with the human phenotype, vascular mesenchyme in the developing eye was identified as endostatin's primary target. While endostatin predominantly bound to blood vessels, the VEGF164 affinity probe labeled nonvascular tissues such as forebrain, hindbrain, the optic nerve, and the surface ectoderm of the future cornea. Strikingly increased staining specificity was observed with a non–heparin/heparan sulfate‐binding endostatin probe. In contrast, elimination of the heparan sulfate binding site from VEGF led to complete loss of binding. The collagen XV endostatin homologue showed a highly restricted binding pattern. Oligomerization with endogenous endostatin was ruled out by use of collagen XVIII knockout mice. Our data provide strong evidence that collagen XVIII's C‐terminal endostatin domain harbors a prominent tissue‐binding site and that binding can occur in the absence of heparan sulfates in situ. Developmental Dynamics 232:399–407, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of the mouse Fgf15 gene is directly initiated by Sonic hedgehog signaling in the diencephalon and midbrain
Authors: Saitsu Hirotomo , Komada Munekazu , Suzuki Misao , Nakayama Rika , Motoyama Jun , Shiota Kohei , Ishibashi Makoto
Published: December 2004

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a secreted molecule that is thought to regulate tissue growth and patterning in vertebrate embryos. Although it has been reported that Gli transcription factors mediate Shh signaling to the nucleus, little is known about developmental target genes of Gli. In the previous genetic study, we showed that Shh is required for Fgf15 expression in the diencephalon and midbrain. Here, we examined whether Fgf15 is a direct target of Shh signaling through Gli. Shh was expressed in the midline cells and Fgf15 in the medial region of the diencephalon/midbrain by the seven‐somite stage. The Fgf15 expression domain coincided with that of Gli1 and overlapped with that of Gli2 at this stage. Fgf15 expression in the diencephalon/midbrain was greatly reduced in the seven‐somite Shh mutant embryos. Transgenic analysis showed that the 3.6‐kb 5′‐flanking region of the Fgf15 gene is sufficient for induction of Fgf15 in the medial/ventral diencephalon/midbrain. Luciferase assay showed that the 3.6‐kb Fgf15 enhancer/promoter was activated by Gli2. A Gli‐binding site was located 1 kb upstream of the transcription start site and was required for expression in the medial/ventral diencephalon/midbrain in transgenic embryos and for activation in luciferase assay. These findings indicate that Fgf15 is directly regulated by Shh signaling through Gli proteins. Developmental Dynamics 232:282–292, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oligonucleosides with a Nucleobase‐Including Backbone. Part 12
Authors: Eppacher Simon , Bhardwaj Punit Kumar , Bernet Bruno , Bravo Gala José Luis , Knöpfel Thomas , Vasella Andrea
Published: December 2004

In contradistinction to the corresponding Grignard reagent, bis[(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]zinc reacted with the 5′‐oxoadenosine 3 diastereoselectively to the β‐D‐allo‐hept‐6‐ynofuranosyladenine 5. Lithiation/iodination of the monomeric propargyl alcohol 5 and of the dimeric propargyl alcohol 22 provided the 8‐iodoadenosines 7 and 18, respectively, considerably shortening the synthesis of the dimeric O‐silylated 8‐iodoadenosine 25. The mixed uridine‐ and adenosine‐derived tetramers 21 and 32 were synthesised. The tetramer 21 was prepared by a linear sequence. Sonogashira coupling of 9 and 13 yielded the trimer 16 that was C‐desilylated to 17. A second Sonogashira coupling of 17 and 19 yielded the tetramer 21. Tetramer 32 was prepared in higher yields by a convergent route, coupling the acetylene 29 and the iodide 30. The uridine‐derived iodides proved more reactive than the adenosine‐derived analogues, and the N6‐unprotected adenosine‐derived alkynes were more reactive than their N6‐benzoylated analogues.
Photooxygenation of Pregnanes
Authors: Ponce María A. , Erra‐Balsells Rosa , Bruttomesso Andrea C. , Gros Eduardo G.
Published: December 2004

The course of the singlet‐oxygen reaction with pregn‐17(20)‐enes and pregn‐5,17(20)‐dienes was studied to compare the reactivity of the two alkene moieties present in some steroid families. Thus, from commercially available (3β,5α)‐hydroxy‐androstan‐17‐one and (3β)‐3‐hydroxyandrost‐5‐en‐17‐one, the following 3‐{[(tert‐butyl)dimethylsilyl]oxy}‐substituted, 17(20)‐unsaturated pregnanes were prepared (see Fig. 1): (3β,5α)‐21‐norpregn‐17(20)‐ene 1; (3β,5α,17Z)‐pregn‐17(20)‐ene 2, (3β,5α,16α,17E)‐pregn‐17(20)‐en‐16‐ol 3, (16β,5α,17E)‐pregn‐17(20)‐en‐16‐ol 4, (3β,5α,16β,17E)‐pregn‐17(20)‐en‐16‐ol acetate 5, (3β,16α)‐21‐norpregna‐5,17(20)‐dien‐16‐ol 6, (3β,16α,17E)‐pregna‐5,17(20)‐dien‐16‐ol 7, (3β,17Z)‐pregna‐5,17(20)‐diene 8, (3β,17E)‐pregna‐5,17(20)‐dien‐21‐ol 9 and (3β,17E)‐5,17(20)‐dien‐21‐ol acetate 10. The oxygenated products (see Fig. 2) obtained from 1–10 and 1O2, generated by irradiation of Rose Bengal in 3O2‐saturated pyridine solution, were characterized by 1H‐, 13C‐NMR, and MS (EI, FAB, HR‐EI, ESI‐ and UV‐MALDI‐TOF) data. Major products were those formed by the ene reaction involving as intermediates the corresponding hydroperoxides and the cyclic tautomers of the allylic hydroperoxides, i.e., the corresponding oxiranium oxide‐like intermediate (Scheme 5).
Heteropolynuclear Sodium(I) Lead(II) Complex: Crystal and Molecular Structure of a Novel 3‐D Polymer, [(en)Pb(μ3‐ONO)2Na(μ3‐ONO)2Na(μ‐O2ClO2)Na]n
Authors: Morsali Ali , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: December 2004

A novel 3D polymeric heteropolynuclear sodium(I) lead(II) complex containing different ligands, [NaPb(ClO4)(en)(NO2)2] was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and IR, and 1H‐, 13C‐, and 207Pb‐NMR spectroscopy. The single‐crystal X‐ray data of [NaPb(ClO4)(en)(NO2)2]n established that the complex is a three‐dimensional polymer, [(en)Pb(μ3‐ONO)2Na(μ3‐ONO)2Na(μ‐O2ClO2)Na]n. The Pb and Na atoms have four‐ and eight‐coordinate geometry, respectively. The lone pair of electrons at the PbII atom is ‘stereochemically active’.
Synthesis of Cyclohexapeptides Containing Pro and Aib Residues
Authors: Jeremic Tatjana , Linden Anthony , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: December 2004

Cyclization reactions on hexapeptides containing several α‐aminoisobutyric acid (=2‐amino‐2‐methylpropanoic acid; Aib) residues and the turn‐promoting glycine (Gly) and proline (Pro) residues were investigated. Eight linear hexapeptides were synthesized, and their cyclization was attempted with various coupling reagents. The macrolactamization step proved to be difficult since only three hexapeptides could be cyclized. Two of these latter peptides were the linear precursors of the same cyclic hexapeptide, cyclo(Aib‐Aib‐Phe‐Pro‐Aib‐Gly) (1). Surprisingly, they gave 1 in almost the same yield. Thus, 1 was obtained in 35% yield upon ring closure at the Phe/Pro site by using DEPBT as the coupling reagent, whereas the cyclization at the Aib/Phe site led to 1 in 28 and 34% yield by using PyAOP and DEPC, respectively (DEPBT=3‐[(diethoxyphosphoryl)oxy]‐1,2,3‐benzotriazin‐4(3H)‐one, PyAOP=(1H‐7‐azabenzotriazol‐1‐yloxy)tripyrrolidin‐1‐ylphosphonium hexafluorophosphate, DEPC=diethyl phosphorocyanidate). Another cyclic hexapeptide, cyclo(Aib‐Aib‐Gly‐Aib‐Pro‐Gly) (2) was prepared in 34% yield when DEPC was used in the cyclization step. The solid‐state conformation of 1 was established by X‐ray crystallography.
Efficient Coupling Reactions of Arylalkynes and Aldehydes Leading to the Synthesis of Enones
Authors: Xu Li‐Wen , Li Lyi , Xia Chun‐Gu , Zhao Pei‐Qing
Published: December 2004

Ionic liquids such as 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐1H‐imidazolium 4‐methylbenzenesulfonate (BmimOTs) and its 1‐ethyl analogue EmimOTs are novel effective and recyclable media for acid‐catalyzed coupling reactions of aromatic alkynes with aldehydes affording (E)‐enones (Scheme 1, Table) with simple recovery and easy workup due to the absence of volatile organic solvents. This transformation avoids the use of moisture‐sensitive and heavy‐metal Lewis acids.
Immunosuppressive ent‐Kaurene Diterpenoids from Isodon serra
Authors: Zhao Ai‐Hua , Zhang Yan , Xu Zhao‐Hui , Liu Jian‐Wen , Jia Wei
Published: December 2004

Three new enmein‐type ent‐kaurenoids, i.e., the two pairs 1 and 2 of 20‐epimers and the (20R)‐isomer 3, besides the seven known diterpenoids 4–10, were isolated from the aerial parts of Isodon serra. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques and X‐ray diffraction. The immunosuppressive effect for T‐lymphocytes proliferation induced by Con A in BALB/c mouse was evaluated for the isolates 1–10. They all displayed a remarkable inhibitory effect, with multi‐glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii as positive reference substance (Table 3).
Theoretical influences on research on language development and intervention in individuals with mental retardation
Authors: Abbeduto Leonard , Boudreau Donna
Published: December 2004

In this article, we consider the theoretical debates and frameworks that have shaped research on language development and intervention in persons with mental retardation over the past four decades. Our starting point is the nativist theory, which has been espoused most forcefully by Chomsky. We also consider more recent alternatives to the nativist approach, including the social‐interactionist and emergentist approaches, which have been developed largely within the field of child language research. We also consider the implications for language development and intervention of the genetic syndrome‐based approach to behavioral research advocated by Dykens and others. We briefly review the impact and status of the debates spurred by the nativist approach in research on the course of language development in individuals with mental retardation. In addition, we characterize some of the achievements in language intervention that have been made possible by the debates spurred by nativism and the various alternatives to it. The evidence we consider provides support for all three alternatives to the nativist approach. Moreover, successful interventions appear to embody elements of several of these approaches as well as other theoretical approaches (e.g., behaviorism). We conclude that language intervention must be theoretically eclectic in its approach, with different strategies appropriate for teaching different features of language, at different points in development, and for children displaying different characteristics or learning histories. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:184–192.
Elimination of Hot Cracking in Laser Beam Welding
Authors: Petzet Verena , Büskens Christof , Pesch Hans Josef , Prikhodovsky Andrey , Karkhin Victor , Ploshikhin Vasily
Published: December 2004

Hot cracking is one of the big problems in laser beam welding. By multi‐beam welding, first suggested in the 70‐s (cf. [1], [4]), hot cracking can be avoided. Hereby two additional laser beams are employed. These beams generate a compression which compensate for the critical tensile strain in the solid‐liquid region of the weld induced by the main laser beam. However, hot cracking can only be prevented if the positions, sizes, and powers of the additional laser beams are suitably chosen, i.e. are optimized. Non‐optimal values can even enhance hot cracking. Until now these quantities have been found either by trial and error or by prescribing them intuitively. In the present paper a constrained nonlinear programming problem is formulated to solve the problem of hot crack initiation by minimizing the accumulated transverse strain, i.e. the opening displacement, in the solid‐liquid region. This approach is based on the so‐called strip expansion technique, cf. [2]. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Profile of β‐thalassemia in eastern India and its prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Aditi , Bandyopadhyay Sanmay , Basak Jayasri , Mondal Bama Charan , Sarkar Anjali Angelika , Majumdar Sunipa , Das Mani Kanchan , Chandra Sharmila , Mukhopadhyay Ashis , Sanghamita Mamtaj , Ghosh Kusagradhi , Dasgupta Uma B.
Published: December 2004

Objective

To control the birth of thalassemic children in India.

Methods

Mutations present in the population of eastern India and in carrier parents seeking prenatal diagnosis were detected by the PCR‐based technique of ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system) or gap‐PCR. To screen for maternal tissue contamination in CVS, haplotypes associated with the β‐globin gene clusters were constructed using six polymorphic restriction sites. Prenatal diagnosis was accomplished by checking presence of parental mutation in the DNA from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) collected at 8 to 10 weeks' gestation by appropriate technique.

Results

Six hundred and fifty (650) unrelated β‐thalassemia chromosomes were screened for 11 common mutations to characterize the mutation distribution in this population. Starting from early 2000, 63 families from different parts of West Bengal and from surrounding areas have been offered prenatal counseling for β‐thalassemia.

Conclusion

The population of this region is conscious and willing to accept prenatal diagnosis as a means of control of thalassemia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does nuchal translucency have a role in fetal cardiac screening?
Authors: Hyett Jon
Published: December 2004

Increased nuchal translucency is the strongest single marker for chromosomal abnormality. Consequently, it is currently becoming established as the foundation of most early screening programmes for Down syndrome. In the absence of chromosomal abnormality, increased nuchal translucency has been shown to be associated with other congenital anomalies including cardiac defects. Several datasets have now reported this association and here these are reviewed to assess the effectiveness of nuchal translucency measurement as a screening tool for the prenatal detection of congenital heart disease. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Counselling following a diagnosis of congenital heart disease
Authors: Allan Lindsey D. , Huggon Ian C.
Published: December 2004

Counselling the parents following a diagnosis of fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) is as important a task for the fetal cardiologist, as the skill involved in achieving an accurate diagnosis. The counsellor will base prognosis not only on the diagnosis itself but also on the security of diagnosis, the stage in gestation and potential for change, the association with extracardiac malformations and the known results of treatment. Depending on the gestational age and legal situation the counsellor is operating in, termination of pregnancy may be one of the options to consider and one that should always be raised in discussion. Thus, the parents may be in the position of making a crucial decision concerning the management of the pregnancy on the basis of the information received, so it is vital that the counsellor is truly able to communicate with them, whatever be their level of understanding. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of image magnification in first‐trimester screening for Down syndrome by fetal nuchal translucency in Asians
Authors: Hsu J. J. , Chiang C. H. , Hsieh C. C. , Hsieh T. T.
Published: December 2004

Objective

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the impact of image magnification in the measurements of crown‐rump length (CRL) and nuchal translucency (NT) thickness for first‐trimester Down syndrome screening in Asians.

Methods

Ultrasound measurements of NT and CRL were performed in 561 consecutive Taiwanese unaffected fetuses and 11 cases of Down syndrome fetuses between 12 and 14 weeks of gestation. All sonographic images were measured by one qualified examiner to prospectively undergo first‐trimester NT screening for Down syndrome. Fetal CRL and NT thickness were measured on three separated images including the original image, regular image, and the magnified image.

Results

A significant mean difference (0.59 ± 4.24 mm) of CRL was found between measurements on the original and regular image (p < 0.001). There was a significant mean difference of NT thickness measurements between the regular and magnified image (0.12 ± 0.25 mm, p < 0.001). Seven out of the 11 cases (63.6%) of Down syndrome with NT thickness ≥2.5 mm was measured on three separated images. A significantly reduced incidence of NT thickness ≥2.5 mm on the magnified image was noted than those of the original and regular image measurements in unaffected cases (p < 0.001). Either using the assessing method by the 95th centile cutoff value of NT thickness or combined risk, our results could achieve observed detection rate of 63.6% measured on three separated images.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the image magnification could reduce the false‐positive rate by using a fixed cutoff value of NT thickness, but would have no influence on the results when using the assessing method either by the 95th centile cutoff value of NT thickness or the combined risk. In order to place the caliper more accurately, a magnified image should be recommended as a standard image in the measurements of the NT thickness. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein B genotype and CMV DNA load in the amniotic fluid of infected fetuses
Authors: Picone Olivier , Costa Jean‐Marc , Leruez‐Ville Marianne , Ernault Pauline , Olivi Martine , Ville Yves
Published: December 2004

Objective

To assess the value of both cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA quantification in amniotic fluid (AF) and CMV glycoprotein B (gB) genotype as prognostic factors in CMV congenital infection.

Methods

Quantification of CMV DNA was performed prospectively by real‐time PCR and gB genotypes were analysed by gene sequencing analysis in the amniotic fluid of 42 fetuses infected by CMV. These were correlated with clinical data on fetal anomalies and outcome.

Results

The proportion of severely symptomatic fetuses was similar in each gB genotype group. Median CMV DNA load was higher in the group of symptomatic fetuses but this difference was not significant and high and low viral loads were found in both groups.

Conclusion

Neither gB genotype nor CMV DNA load in AF correlate with the severity of CMV congenital infection and these markers are unlikely to prove useful for the management of congenital infection. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of a cyanate ester containing dicyclopentadiene(II)
Authors: Shieh Jeng‐Yueh , Hwang Hann‐Jang , Yang Shih‐Peng , Wang Chun‐Shan
Published: December 2004

A 2,6‐dimethyl phenol‐dicyclopentadiene novolac (DCPDNO) was synthesized from dicyclopentadiene and 2,6‐dimethyl phenol, and the resultant DCPDNO was reacted with cyanogen bromide into 2,6‐dimethyl phenol‐dicyclopentadiene cyanate ester (DCPDCY). The structures of the novolac and cyanate ester were confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance. For the purpose of increasing the mobility of residual DCPDCY during the final stage of curing and achieving a complete reaction of cyanate groups, a small quantity of a monofunctional cyanate ester, 4‐tert‐butylphenol cyanate ester (4TPCY), was added to DCPDCY to form the cyanate ester copolymer. The synthesized DCPDCY was then cured with 4TPCY at various molar ratios. The thermal properties of the cured cyanate ester resins were studied with dynamic mechanical analysis, dielectric analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. These data were compared with those of the commercial bisphenol A cyanate ester system. Compared with the bisphenol A cyanate ester system, the cured DCPDCY resins exhibited lower dielectric constants (2.52–2.67 at 1 GHz), dissipation factors (0.0054–0.0087 at 1 GHz), glass‐transition temperatures (261–273 °C), thermal stability (5% degradation temperature at 406–450 °C), thermal expansion coefficients (4.8–5.78 × 10−5/°C before the glass‐transition temperature), and moisture absorption (0.8–1.1%). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 671–681, 2005
The ConSurf‐HSSP database: The mapping of evolutionary conservation among homologs onto PDB structures
Authors: Glaser Fabian , Rosenberg Yossi , Kessel Amit , Pupko Tal , Ben‐Tal Nir
Published: December 2004

The HSSP (Homology‐Derived Secondary Structure of Proteins) database provides multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) for proteins of known three‐dimensional (3D) structure in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The database also contains an estimate of the degree of evolutionary conservation at each amino acid position. This estimate, which is based on the relative entropy, correlates with the functional importance of the position; evolutionarily conserved positions (i.e., positions with limited variability and low entropy) are occasionally important to maintain the 3D structure and biological function(s) of the protein. We recently developed the Rate4Site algorithm for scoring amino acid conservation based on their calculated evolutionary rate. This algorithm takes into account the phylogenetic relationships between the homologs and the stochastic nature of the evolutionary process. Here we present the ConSurf‐HSSP database of Rate4Site estimates of the evolutionary rates of the amino acid positions, calculated using HSSP's MSAs. The database provides precalculated evolutionary rates for nearly all of the PDB. These rates are projected, using a color code, onto the protein structure, and can be viewed online using the ConSurf server interface. To exemplify the database, we analyzed in detail the conservation pattern obtained for pyruvate kinase and compared the results with those observed using the relative entropy scores of the HSSP database. It is reassuring to know that the main functional region of the enzyme is detectable using both conservation scores. Interestingly, the ConSurf‐HSSP calculations mapped additional functionally important regions, which are moderately conserved and were overlooked by the original HSSP estimate. The ConSurf‐HSSP database is available online (http://consurf‐hssp.tau.ac.il). Proteins 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A detailed unfolding pathway of a (β/α)8‐barrel protein as studied by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Akanuma Satoshi , Miyagawa Hiroh , Kitamura Kunihiro , Yamagishi Akihiko
Published: December 2004

The (β/α)8‐barrel is the most common protein fold. Similar structural properties for folding intermediates of (β/α)8‐barrel proteins involved in tryptophan biosynthesis have been reported in a number of experimental studies; these intermediates have the last two β‐strands and three α‐helices partially unfolded, with other regions of the polypeptide chain native‐like in conformation. To investigate the detailed folding/unfolding pathways of these (β/α)8‐barrel proteins, temperature‐induced unfolding simulations of N‐(5′‐phosphoribosyl)anthranilate isomerase from Escherichia coli were carried out using a special‐purpose parallel computer system. Unfolding simulations at five different temperatures showed a sequential unfolding pathway comprised of several events. Early events in unfolding involved disruption of the last two strands and three helices, producing an intermediate ensemble similar to those detected in experimental studies. Then, denaturation of the first two βα units and separation of the sixth strand from the fifth took place independently. The remaining central βαβαβ module persisted the longest during all simulations, suggesting an important role for this module as the incipient folding scaffold. Our simulations also predicted the presence of a nucleation site, onto which several hydrophobic residues condensed forming the foundation for the central βαβαβ module. Proteins 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvement in crystalline perfection, piezo‐electric property and optical transparency of in‐situ poled Fe–LiNbO3 single crystals by post growth annealing and poling
Authors: Budakoti G. C. , Kumar B. , Bhagavannarayana G. , Soni N. C.
Published: December 2004

Crystalline perfection, piezoelectric response and optical transparency of in‐situ poled Fe–LiNbO3 single crystals was studied. Very low angle grain boundaries and the variations in the piezoelectric charge constant d33 were observed in the as‐grown crystals. Grain boundaries were successfully removed at higher annealing temperatures but the d33 value was decreased. Low crystalline perfection and d33 were observed after poling the annealed specimen. These parameters were improved by low temperature annealing followed by very slow cooling. FTIR spectra revealed that OH– and CO32– ionic defects were present in the as‐grown crystals. The OH– ion concentration was reduced, CO32– ions were removed and optical quality was improved after annealing at higher temperatures. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A data integration framework to support Triad projects
Authors: Mack Jim , Crumbling Deana M. , Ellerbusch Fred
Published: December 2004

Cost‐effective and efficient site remediation and scientifically defensible decisions require site characterizations that are representative of site conditions. The Triad conceptual site model (CSM) is at the center of a continually improving site characterization process that begins during systematic planning and ends after the last data are developed. To gain the full benefit and greatest cost‐effectiveness, the process of CSM refinement should be performed in real time. Thus, the use of collaborative data is critical for evolving and maturing the CSM. In the field, through the use of all available data that are of known quality, a skilled and experienced field team can collect sufficient site information to mature the CSM in a timely manner. To facilitate the planning and execution of such a process, an easily understandable framework is needed to structure data quality that supports scientifically defensible decisions and efficient projects. This article explores such a framework. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.