bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gendered Nature of Contraception in France: Neo-Malthusianism, 1900–1920
Authors: Accampo Elinor A.
Published: December 2003

As the first nation to undergo the fertility transition, France also experienced a demographic “crisis” concerning its drop in population. Contemporary reactions to the Neo-Malthusian effort to provide female contraceptives, and particularly to the feminist rhetoric of birth-control advocate Nelly Roussel, however, suggest that what was most threatening about female contraception was not the prospect of further depopulation but the idea of making motherhood a choice, thereby “de-naturalizing” women's bodies and threatening civilization itself.
The Climate of Death Valley, California
Authors: Roof Steven , Callagan Charlie
Published: December 2003

Death Valley, California, is one of the most extreme environments in the world. The floor of the valley, which is below sea level, is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. This article and associated data files compile and describe the complete daily weather observations for Greenland Ranch and Furnace Creek (on the floor of Death Valley) for the entire period of record (1911–2002). This article explains the unique climate of Death Valley and serves two purposes: to make widely available the complete record of weather observations from the floor of Death Valley, California; and to encourage researchers, educators, and students to explore the available data and compare their local climate to that of Death Valley.
Effects of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) on Tacrolimus Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Hebert Mary F. , Park Jeong M. , Chen Yu‐Luan , Akhtar Shahzad , Larson Anne M.
Published: December 2003

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant approved for the prevention of rejection following transplantation and is a substrate for CYP3A and P‐glycoprotein. A pharmacokinetic interaction between St. John's wort (antidepressant herbal product and inducer of CYP3A and P‐glycoprotein) and tacrolimus was evaluated in 10 healthy volunteers. The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus were obtained from serial blood samples collected following single oral doses (0.1 mg/kg) prior to and during an 18‐day concomitant St. John's wort dosing phase (300 mg orally three times daily). Coadministration of St. John's wort significantly decreased tacrolimus AUC (306.9 μg•h/L ±175.8 μg•h/L vs. 198.7 μg•h/L ± 139.6 μg•h/L; p = 0.004) and increased apparent oral clearance (349.0 mL/h/kg ± 126.0 mL/h/kg vs. 586.4 mL/h/kg ± 274.9 mL/h/kg; p = 0.01) and apparent oral volume of distribution at steady state (11.5 L/kg ± 4.3 L/kg vs. 17.6 L/kg ± 9.6 L/kg; p = 0.04). St. John's wort appears to induce tacrolimus metabolism, most likely through induction of CYP3A and P‐glycoprotein.
EWI-2 modulates lymphocyte integrin α4β1 functions
Authors: Kolesnikova Tatiana V. , Stipp Christopher S. , Rao Ravi M. , Lane William S. , Luscinskas Francis W. , Hemler Martin E.
Published: December 2003

The most prominent cell-surface integrin α4β1 partner, a 70-kDa protein, was isolated from MOLT-4 T leukemia cells, using anti–α4β1 integrin antibody-coated beads. By mass spectrometry, this protein was identified as EWI-2, a previously described cell-surface partner for tetraspanin proteins CD9 and CD81. Wild-type EWI-2 overexpression had no effect on MOLT-4 cell tethering and adhesion strengthening on the α4β1 ligand, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), in shear flow assays. However, EWI-2 markedly impaired spreading and ruffling on VCAM-1. In contrast, a mutant EWI-2 molecule, with a different cytoplasmic tail, neither impaired cell spreading nor associated with α4β1 and CD81. The endogenous wild-type EWI-2–CD81–α4β1 complex was fully soluble, and highly specific as seen by the absence of other MOLT-4 cell-surface proteins. Also, it was relatively small in size (0.5 × 106 Da to 4 × 106 Da), as estimated by size exclusion chromatography. Overexpression of EWI-2 in MOLT-4 cells caused reorganization of cell-surface CD81, increased the extent of CD81-CD81, CD81-α4β1, and α4β1-α4β1 associations, and increased the apparent size of CD81-α4β1 complexes. We suggest that EWI-2–dependent reorganization of α4β1-CD81 complexes on the cell surface is responsible for EWI-2 effects on integrin-dependent morphology and motility functions. (Blood. 2004;103: 3013-3019)
The epidemiology of chronic hepatitis C infection in survivors of childhood cancer: an update of the St Jude Children's Research Hospital hepatitis C seropositive cohort
Authors: Castellino Sharon , Lensing Shelly , Riely Caroline , Rai Shesh N. , Davila Rene , Hayden Randall T. , Fleckenstein Jackie , Levstik Mark , Taylor Shari , Dean Patrick J. , Kippenbrock Sarah , Pope Jennifer , Carr Jeanne , Strickland Donald K. , Hudson Melissa M.
Published: December 2003

Childhood cancer survivors transfused before 1992 are at risk for chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. In 1995, St Jude Children's Research Hospital initiated an epidemiologic study of childhood cancer survivors with transfusion-acquired HCV. Of the 148 survivors with HCV confirmed by second-generation enzyme immunoassay, 122 consented to participate in the study. Their current median age is 29 years (range, 9 to 47 years). At enrollment, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing indicated chronic infection in 81.1%; genotype 1 was the most common viral genotype. Liver biopsy in 60 patients at a median of 12.4 years from the diagnosis of malignancy showed mild (28.8%) or moderate (35.6%) fibrosis; 13.6% had cirrhosis. Elevated body mass index was associated with histologic findings of increased steatosis (P = .008). Antimetabolite chemotherapy exposure was associated with early progression of fibrosis. Significant quality-of-life deficits were observed in noncirrhotic adult survivors. Antiviral therapy resulted in clearance of infection in 17 (44%) of 38 patients to date. Six patients have died; 1 patient with decompensated cirrhosis died of variceal bleeding. Despite a young age at HCV infection, the progression of liver disease in childhood cancer survivors is comparable to that seen in adults.
Multiresistant coagulase-negative staphylococci disseminate frequently between intubated patients in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit
Authors: Agvald-Öhman Christina , Lund Bodil , Edlund Charlotta
Published: December 2003

Introduction

The intensive care unit is burdened with a high frequency of nosocomial infections often caused by multiresistant nosocomial pathogens. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are reported to be the third causative agent of nosocomial infections and the most frequent cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections. CoNS are a part of the normal microflora of skin but can also colonize the nasal mucosa, the lower airways and invasive devices. The main aim of the present study was to investigate colonization and the rate of cross-transmissions of CoNS between intubated patients in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit.

Materials and methods

Twenty consecutive patients, ventilated for at least 3 days, were included. Samples were collected from the upper and lower airways. All samples were cultured quantitatively and CoNS were identified by morphology and biochemical tests. A total of 199 CoNS isolates from 17 patients were genetically fingerprinted by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in order to identify clones and to monitor dissemination within and between patients.

Results

An unexpected high number of transmission events were detected. Five genotypes were each isolated from two or more patients, and 14/20 patients were involved in at least one and up to eight probable transmission events.

Conclusions

A frequent transmission of CoNS was found between patients in the intensive care unit. Although transmission of bacteria does not necessarily lead to infection, it is nevertheless an indication that infection control measures can be improved.
Older people with long-standing mental illness: the graduates
Authors: Jolley David , Kosky Nick , Holloway Frank
Published: December 2003

People who survive into late life with chronic or relapsing illnesses, which had their onset in youth or middle age, have special needs. In the past, those most severely affected often lived out their lives in mental hospitals. The mental hospital closure programme led to discharges to alternative care, and the successes and failures of these have been monitored by some services. Subsequent generations are at risk of falling between the care of general psychiatry, rehabilitation psychiatry and old age psychiatry. These patients are uniquely disabled by a combination of personal, social, mental and physical health disadvantage. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has produced guidance to highlight the special needs of these ‘graduates', encouraging every locality to investigate its own performance in their care and bring it into line with best practice in the light of local strengths and resources.
Down's syndrome and dementia
Authors: Stanton Lisa R. , Coetzee Rikus H.
Published: December 2003

Down's syndrome is the most common genetic disorder seen in clinical practice: about 94% occurs because of non-disjunction of chromosome 21 and 3–5% because of translocation. Individuals increasingly survive to middle and old age, probably because of advances in medical treatment and improved living conditions. People with Down's syndrome have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in middle age. Within ICD–10 and DSM–IV classifications there is no consensus on the diagnosis of dementia in people with learning disability. New treatments have been licensed for use in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (e.g. acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine). The comorbid picture of Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease presents a unique challenge to the clinician in both diagnosis and management.
Treatment With Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation for Acute Leukemia Increases the Risk of Graft-Versus-Host Disease and Death: A Study From the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Ringdén Olle , Labopin Myriam , Gorin Norbert-Claude , Le Blanc Katarina , Rocha Vanderson , Gluckman Eliane , Reiffers Jules , Arcese William , Vossen Jaak M. , Jouet Jean-Pierre , Cordonnier Catherine , Frassoni Francesco
Published: December 2003

Purpose

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is given after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to shorten the neutropenic phase. Its effects have not been evaluated in a large patient population.

Patients and Methods

We studied 1,789 patients with acute leukemia receiving BMT and 434 patients receiving peripheral-blood stem cells (PBSCs) from HLA-identical siblings from 1992 to 2002 and reported the findings to the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Among the BMT and PBSC patients, 501 (28%) and 175 (40%), respectively, were treated with G-CSF during the first 14 days after the transplantation. The outcome variables were entered into a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

BMT and PBSC patients treated with G-CSF had a faster engraftment of absolute neutrophils greater than 0.5 × 109/L (P < .01), but platelet engraftment ( > 50 × 109/L) was slower (P < .001). In the BMT patients, acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) grades II to IV was 50% ± 5% (± 95% CI) in the G-CSF group versus 39% ± 3% in the controls (relative risk [RR], 1.33; P = .007, in the multivariate analysis). The incidence of chronic GVHD was also increased (RR, 1.29; P = .03). G-CSF was associated with an increase in transplantation-related mortality (TRM; RR, 1.73; P = .00016) and had no effect on relapse but reduced survival (RR, 0.59; P < .0001) and leukemia-free survival rates (LFS; RR, 0.64; P = .0003). No such effects of G-CSF were seen in patients receiving PBSC.

Conclusion

After BMT, platelet engraftment was delayed, and GVHD and TRM were increased. Survival and LFS were reduced. This suggests that G-CSF should not be given shortly after BMT.
Activation of the Hexosamine Signaling Pathway in Adipose Tissue Results in Decreased Serum Adiponectin and Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance
Authors: Hazel Mark , Cooksey Robert C. , Jones Deborah , Parker Glendon , Neidigh John L. , Witherbee Bryan , Gulve Eric A. , McClain Donald A.
Published: December 2003

Overexpression of the rate-limiting enzyme for hexosamine synthesis (glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase) in muscle and adipose tissue of transgenic mice was previously shown to result in insulin resistance and hyperleptinemia. Explanted muscle from transgenic mice was not insulin resistant in vitro, suggesting that muscle insulin resistance could be mediated by soluble factors from fat tissue. To dissect the relative contributions of muscle and fat to hexosamine-induced insulin resistance, we overexpressed glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase 2.5-fold, specifically in fat under control of the aP2 promoter. Fasting glucose, insulin, and triglycerides were unchanged in the transgenic mice; leptin and β-hydroxybutyrate levels were 91% and 29% higher, respectively. Fasted transgenic mice have mild glucose intolerance and skeletal muscle insulin resistance in vivo. In fasting transgenic mice, glucose disposal rates with hyperinsulinemia were decreased 27% in females and 10% in males. Uptake of 2-deoxy-d-glucose into muscle was diminished by 45% in female and 21% in male transgenics. Serum adiponectin was also lower in the fasted transgenics, by 37% in females and 22% in males. TNFα and resistin mRNA levels in adipose tissue were not altered in the fasted transgenics; levels of mRNA for leptin were increased and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ decreased. To further explore the relationship between adiponectin and insulin sensitivity, we examined mice that have been refed for 6 h after a 24-h fast. Refeeding wild-type mice resulted in decreased serum adiponectin and increased leptin. In transgenic mice, however, the regulation of these hormones by refeeding was lost for adiponectin and diminished for leptin. Refed transgenic female and male mice no longer exhibited decreased serum adiponectin in the refed state, and they were no longer insulin resistant as by lower or unchanged insulin and glucose levels. We conclude that increased hexosamine levels in fat, mimicking excess nutrient delivery, are sufficient to cause insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Changes in serum adiponectin correlate with the insulin resistance of the transgenic animals.
A Benzimidazole Fungicide, Benomyl, and Its Metabolite, Carbendazim, Induce Aromatase Activity in a Human Ovarian Granulose-Like Tumor Cell Line (KGN)
Authors: Morinaga Hidetaka , Yanase Toshihiko , Nomura Masatoshi , Okabe Taijiro , Goto Kiminobu , Harada Nobuhiro , Nawata Hajime
Published: December 2003

Endocrine disruptor chemicals are known to cause a range of abnormalities in sexual differentiation and reproduction. One mechanism underlying such effects may be via alteration of aromatase activity, which is responsible for estrogen production. A good screening system for identifying endocrine disruptors has long been desired. We have recently established a human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN, which possesses a relatively high level of aromatase expression and is considered a useful mammalian model for investigating the in vitro effects of various chemicals on aromatase activity. In this study we screened 55 different candidate chemicals for endocrine disruptors by assaying aromatase activity. Only benomyl, known as both a benzimidazole fungicide and a microtubule-interfering agent, was found to induce aromatase activity in association with increased levels of aromatase mRNA in KGN cells. The effect of benomyl was presumed to be mediated by its metabolite carbendazim, because it produced an effect equivalent to that of benomyl. The mechanism underlying the benomyl-induced increase in aromatase activity appears independent of the cAMP-protein kinase A pathway. Treatment with taxol, another class of microtubule-interfering agents, also caused induction of aromatase in KGN cells. Both benomyl and taxol changed KGN cell morphology, including the development of cell roundness and a disorganized network of microtubules. These results indicate that benomyl is a potential endocrine disruptor that provides a novel estrogenicity and operates through a microtubule-interfering mechanism.
`Side Population' cells in adult mouse testis expressBcrp1gene and are enriched in spermatogonia and germinal stem cells
Authors: Lassalle Bruno , Bastos Henri , Louis Jean Paul , Riou Lydia , Testart Jacques , Dutrillaux Bernard , Fouchet Pierre , Allemand Isabelle
Published: December 2003

Stem cells in various somatic tissues (bone marrow, skeletal muscle) can be identified by the `Side Population' marker based on Hoechst 33342 efflux. We show that mouse testicular cells also display a `Side Population' that express Bcrp1 mRNA, the ABC transporter responsible for Hoechst efflux in hematopoietic cells. Inhibition of Hoechst efflux by specific BCRP1 inhibitor Ko143 show that germinal `Side Population' phenotype is dependent on BCRP1 activity. Analysis of two well-defined models of altered spermatogenesis(W/Wv mutants and cryptorchid male mice) and RNA expression studies of differentiation markers demonstrate that germinal `Side Population' contains spermatogonial cells. In addition,α 6-integrin and Stra8 germinal stem cell markers, are expressed in the `Side Population'. In vivo repopulation assay clearly establishes that testis `Side Population' in adult mice is highly enriched in male germ stem cells.
DAF-5 is a Ski oncoprotein homolog that functions in a neuronal TGFβpathway to regulateC. elegansdauer development
Authors: da Graca Li S. , Zimmerman Karen K. , Mitchell Melissa C. , Kozhan-Gorodetska Marianne , Sekiewicz Kamila , Morales Yairani , Patterson,, Garth I.
Published: December 2003

An unconventional TGFβ superfamily pathway plays a crucial role in the decision between dauer diapause and reproductive growth. We have studied the daf-5 gene, which, along with the daf-3 Smad gene, is antagonized by upstream receptors and receptor-regulated Smads. We show that DAF-5 is a novel member of the Sno/Ski superfamily that binds to DAF-3 Smad,suggesting that DAF-5, like Sno/Ski, is a regulator of transcription in a TGFβ superfamily signaling pathway. However, we present evidence that DAF-5 is an unconventional Sno/Ski protein, because DAF-5 acts as a co-factor,rather than an antagonist, of a Smad protein. We show that expressing DAF-5 in the nervous system rescues a daf-5 mutant, whereas muscle or hypodermal expression does not. Previous work suggested that DAF-5 and DAF-3 function in pharyngeal muscle to regulate gene expression, but our analysis of regulation of a pharynx specific promoter suggests otherwise. We present a model in which DAF-5 and DAF-3 control the production or release of a hormone from the nervous system by either regulating the expression of biosynthetic genes or by altering the connectivity or the differentiated state of neurons.
RABBIT EARS, encoding a SUPERMAN-like zinc finger protein,regulates petal development inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Takeda Seiji , Matsumoto Noritaka , Okada Kiyotaka
Published: December 2003

Floral organs usually initiate at fixed positions in concentric whorls within a flower. Although it is understood that floral homeotic genes determine the identity of floral organs, the mechanisms of position determination and the development of each organ have not been clearly explained. We isolated a novel mutant, rabbit ears (rbe),with defects in petal development. In rbe, under-developed petals are formed at the correct position in a flower, and the initiation of petal primordia is altered. The rbe mutation affects the second whorl organ shapes independently of the organ identity. RBE encodes a SUPERMAN-like protein and is located in the nucleus, and thus may be a transcription factor. RBE transcripts are expressed in petal primordia and their precursor cells, and disappeared at later stages. When cells that express RBE are ablated genetically, no petal primordia arise. RBE is not expressed in ap1-1 and ptl-1mutants, indicating that RBE acts downstream of AP1 and PTL genes. These characteristics suggest that RBE is required for the early development of the organ primordia of the second whorl.
Both Cyclin B levels and DNA-replication checkpoint control the early embryonic mitoses in Drosophila
Authors: Ji Jun-Yuan , Squirrell Jayne M. , Schubiger Gerold
Published: December 2003

The earliest embryonic mitoses in Drosophila, as in other animals except mammals, are viewed as synchronous and of equal duration. However, we observed that total cell-cycle length steadily increases after cycle 7, solely owing to the extension of interphase. Between cycle 7 and cycle 10, this extension is DNA-replication checkpoint independent, but correlates with the onset of Cyclin B oscillation. In addition, nuclei in the middle of embryos have longer metaphase and shorter anaphase than nuclei at the two polar regions. Interestingly, sister chromatids move faster in anaphase in the middle than the posterior region. These regional differences correlate with local differences in Cyclin B concentration. After cycle 10, interphase and total cycle duration of nuclei in the middle of the embryo are longer than at the poles. Because interphase also extends in checkpoint mutant(grapes) embryo after cycle 10, although less dramatic than wild-type embryos, interphase extension after cycle 10 is probably controlled by both Cyclin B limitation and the DNA-replication checkpoint.
Interplay between Notch signaling and the homeoproteinXiro1is required for neural crest induction inXenopusembryos
Authors: Glavic Alvaro , Silva Francisca , Aybar Manuel J. , Bastidas Francisco , Mayor Roberto
Published: December 2003

The neural crest is a population of cells that originates at the interface between the neural plate and non-neural ectoderm. Here, we have analyzed the role that Notch and the homeoprotein Xiro1 play in the specification of the neural crest. We show that Xiro1, Notch and the Notch target gene Hairy2A are all expressed in the neural crest territory, whereas the Notch ligands Delta1 and Serrate are expressed in the cells that surround the prospective crest cells. We have used inducible dominant-negative and activator constructs of both Notch signaling components and Xiro1 to analyze the role of these factors in neural crest specification without interfering with mesodermal or neural plate development.

Activation of Xiro1 or Notch signaling led to an enlargement of the neural crest territory, whereas blocking their activity inhibited the expression of neural crest markers. It is known that BMPs are involved in the induction of the neural crest and, thus, we assessed whether these two elements might influence the expression of Bmp4. Activation of Xiro1 and of Notch signaling upregulated Hairy2A and inhibited Bmp4 transcription during neural crest specification. These results, in conjunction with data from rescue experiments, allow us to propose a model wherein Xiro1 lies upstream of the cascade regulating Delta1 transcription. At the early gastrula stage, the coordinated action of Xiro1, as a positive regulator, and Snail, as a repressor, restricts the expression of Delta1 at the border of the neural crest territory. At the late gastrula stage, Delta1 interacts with Notch to activate Hairy2A in the region of the neural fold. Subsequently, Hairy2A acts as a repressor of Bmp4transcription, ensuring that levels of Bmp4 optimal for the specification of the neural plate border are attained in this region. Finally,the activity of additional signals (WNTs, FGF and retinoic acid) in this newly defined domain induces the production of neural crest cells. These data also highlight the different roles played by BMP in neural crest specification in chick and Xenopus or zebrafish embryos.
Restoration of full-length adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein in a colon cancer cell line enhances cell adhesion
Authors: Faux Maree C. , Ross Janine L. , Meeker Clare , Johns Terry , Ji Hong , Simpson Richard J. , Layton Meredith J. , Burgess Antony W.
Published: December 2003

The APC tumour suppressor gene is mutated in most colon cancers. A major role of APC is the downregulation of the β-catenin/T-cell factor (Tcf)/lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) signalling pathway; however, there are also suggestions that it plays a role in the organization of the cytoskeleton, and in cell adhesion and migration. For the first time, we have achieved stable expression of wild-type APC in SW480 colon cancer cells, which normally express a truncated form of APC. The ectopically expressed APC is functional, and results in the translocation of β-catenin from the nucleus and cytoplasm to the cell periphery, and reduces β-catenin/Tcf/LEF transcriptional signalling. E-cadherin is also translocated to the cell membrane, where it forms functional adherens junctions. Total cellular levels of E-cadherin are increased in the SW480APC cells and the altered charge distribution in the presence of full-length APC suggests that APC is involved in post-translational regulation of E-cadherin localization. Changes in the location of adherens junction proteins are associated with tighter cell-cell adhesion in SW480APC cells, with consequent changes in cell morphology, the actin cytoskeleton and cell migration in a wound assay. SW480APC cells have a reduced proliferation rate, a reduced ability to form colonies in soft agar and do not grow tumours in a xenograft mouse tumour model. By regulating the intracellular transport of junctional proteins, we propose that APC plays a role in cell adhesion in addition to its known role in β-catenin transcriptional signalling.
Which Is the Fairest One of All? A Positive Analysis of Justice Theories
Authors: Konow James
Published: December 2003

No man during, either the whole of his life, or that of any considerable part of it, ever trod steadily and uniformly in the path … of justice, … whose conduct was not principally directed by a regard to the sentiments of the supposed impartial spectator, of the great inmate of the breast, the great judge and arbiter of conduct. – Adam Smith (1759) p. 357.

This paper evaluates numerous positive and normative theories of justice in positive terms, i.e., in terms of how accurately they describe the impartial fairness preferences of real people. In addition, the paper proposes and defends an integrated justice theory based on preferences over four distinct and sometimes conflicting forces. These forces frame the analysis of the individual theories and inspire four corresponding theoretical classes: equality and need, utilitarianism and welfare economics, equity and desert, and context. This synthesis enables one to treat justice rigorously and to reconcile results that often appear contradictory or at odds with alternative theories.
Background Papers to The National Suicide Prevention Conference: An Overview and Perspective
Authors: Davidson Lucy , Ross Virginia , Silverman Morton M.
Published: December 2003

The recognition of suicide as a serious public health problem and the advocacy of Americans who have experienced the loss of someone to suicide together have galvanized action to create a national strategy to prevent the loss of life and the suffering that suicide causes. The process began in 1993, when the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) convened the first Interregional Expert Meeting on the Formulation of National Strategies for the Prevention of Suicide in Calgary and Banff, Alberta, Canada. Building on a document emanating from these deliberations, Prevention of Suicide: Guidelines for the Formation and Implementation of National Strategies (UN, 1996), a public/private partnership has begun national strategy development for the United States. The articles in this special supplement represent one significant achievement of that collaborative effort and a foundation for ongoing work in developing a comprehensive National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Educating Parents about Youth Suicide: Knowledge, Response to Suicidal Statements, Attitudes, and Intention to Help
Authors: Maine Shriyani , Shute Rosalyn , Martin Graham
Published: December 2003

This study evaluated the video Youth Suicide: Recognising the Signs as a parent educational medium. Before and after viewing the video, parents (N = 112) of young people answered questionnaires measuring their (1) knowledge of suicidal signs, (2) responses to a young person showing suicidal signs, (3) attitude to suicide, and (4) intentionality toward suicidal people. After the video, parents' knowledge of suicidal signs, responses toward a suicidal person, and intention to help improved. Their attitude was more rejecting of suicide. Knowledge and intentionality predicted response to suicidal statements, but no relationships existed between attitude and the other variables. Implications for youth suicide education programs are discussed.
An Unmatched Case‐Control Study of Nearly Lethal Suicide Attempts in Houston, Texas: Research Methods and Measurements
Authors: Kresnow Marcie‐jo , Ikeda Robin M. , Mercy James A. , Powell Kenneth E. , Potter Lloyd B. , Simon Thomas R. , Lee Roberta K. , Frankowski Ralph F.
Published: December 2003

This article details the research methods and measurements used in conducting a population‐based, case‐control study of nearly lethal suicide attempts among persons aged 13–34 years, residing in Houston, Texas. From November 1992 to July 1995, we interviewed 153 case subjects presenting at one of three participating hospital emergency departments and used random digit dialing to identify 513 control subjects residing in the same catchment area in which cases were enlisted. Unlike most research in this area, this study was designed to extend our understanding of suicidal behavior and prevention activities beyond identification and treatment of depression and other mental illnesses. We discuss the overall strengths and weaknesses of our study design and conclude that this methodology is well suited for studying rare outcomes such as nearly lethal suicide.
Studying Survivors of Nearly Lethal Suicide Attempts: An Important Strategy in Suicide Research
Authors: Hawton Keith
Published: December 2003

The series of articles in this special issue of SLTB from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study of nearly lethal suicide attempts represents an important contribution to research on suicidal behavior. The investigative approach used is attractive, yet also challenging in terms of research methodology. In this commentary I take the opportunity to highlight certain aspects of this line of research as well as to comment on the specific findings of the CDC study and their relationship to existing knowledge. I also discuss the future potential for this research approach and further questions that might be addressed by it.
De novo mutations in the mitochondrial ND3 gene as a cause of infantile mitochondrial encephalopathy and complex I deficiency
Authors: McFarland Robert , Kirby Denise M. , Fowler Kerry J. , Ohtake Akira , Ryan Michael T. , Amor David J. , Fletcher Janice M. , Dixon Joanne W. , Collins Felicity A. , Turnbull Douglass M. , Taylor Robert W. , Thorburn David R.
Published: December 2003

Both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutations can cause energy generation disorders. Respiratory chain complex I deficiency is the most common energy generation disorder and a frequent cause of infantile mitochondrial encephalopathies such as Leigh's disease and lethal infantile mitochondrial disease. Most such cases have been assumed to be caused by nuclear gene defects, but recently an increasing number have been shown to be caused by mutations in the mitochondrially encoded complex I subunit genes ND4, ND5, and ND6. We report the first four cases of infantile mitochondrial encephalopathies caused by mutations in the ND3 subunit gene. Three unrelated children have the same novel heteroplasmic mutation (T10158C), only the second mutation reported in ND3, and one has the previously identified T10191C mutation. Both mutations cause disproportionately greater reductions in enzyme activity than in the amount of fully assembled complex I, suggesting the ND3 subunit plays an unknown but important role in electron transport, proton pumping, or ubiquinone binding. Three cases appear to have a de novo mutation, with no mutation detected in maternal relatives. Mitochondrial DNA disease may be considerably more prevalent in the pediatric population than currently predicted and should be considered in patients with infantile mitochondrial encephalopathies and complex I deficiency.
Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and inclusion body myositis: Abundant disease‐associated prion protein in muscle
Authors: Kovacs Gabor G. , Lindeck‐Pozza Elisabeth , Chimelli Leila , Araújo Abelardo Q. C. , Gabbai Alberto A. , Ströbel Thomas , Glatzel Markus , Aguzzi Adriano , Budka Herbert
Published: December 2003

Pathologicalprion protein (PrPSc) is the hallmark of prion diseases affecting primarily the central nervous system. Using immunohistochemistry, paraffin‐embedded tissue blot, and Western blot, we demonstrated abundant PrPSc in the muscle of a patient with sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and inclusion body myositis. Extraneural PrPC‐PrPSc conversion in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease appears to become prominent when PrPC is abundantly available as substrate, as in inclusion body myositis muscle.
Brain dopamine‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Tong Junchao , Fitzmaurice Paul S. , Ang Lee Cyn , Furukawa Yoshiaki , Guttman Mark , Kish Stephen J.
Published: December 2003

The dopamine D1 receptor is considered to participate in levodopa's antiparkinsonian action and levodopa‐induced dyskinesias. We examined the functional status of the D1 receptor in brain of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Dopamine‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was significantly increased in putamen (+43%) and frontal cortex (+52%) in PD, normal in PSP, but decreased by 47% in putamen in MSA. The supersensitive dopamine D1 receptors in both striatum and cerebral cortex in PD might compensate for dopamine deficiency, but could also contribute to long‐term complications of levodopa therapy.
Enrichment of Heavy Water by High Pressure Exchange Between Hydrogen and an Aqueous Catalyst Suspension Part II: Construction and Operation of a Pilot Plant
Authors: Walter S. , Nitschke E. , Bode C. , Becker E. W. , Hübener R. P. , Kessler R. W. , Schindewolf U.
Published: December 2003

The construction and operation of a pilot plant for the enrichment of heavy water by high pressure exchange between hydrogen and an aqueous catalyst suspension are described. A continous experiment carried out for a period of 86 days proved the technical feasibility of the process and the validity of the assumptions used in an earlier discussion of the economic aspects.
Aspects of Nucleophilic Carbene Chemistry
Authors: Wanzlick H. W.
Published: December 2003

Bis [1,3‐diphenyl‐2‐imidazolidinylidene]‐ shows a considerable tendency towards dissociation into two carbenes. Reactions with this easily accessible carbene source lead to an understanding of nucleophilic carbene chemistry. The question of the existence of particularly stable carbenes is discussed, and it is suggested that a surprisingly large area of preparative possibilities and theoretical knowledge awaits development.
Nucleotide Intermediates in the Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides
Authors: Strominger Jack L.
Published: December 2003

In metabolism, nucleotides play a roLe not only as the procursors of nucleic acids. Many low molecular weight compounds may be activated for subsequent biosysthesis by forming anhydrides or esters with nucletides. These nucleotide derivatives functions as carriers of the residues attached to them. Frequently the residues become chemically changed while a attched to the nucleotide before transfer in a biosynthetic reaction. Following a general survey of nucleotide‐types, and their reaction, into the biosynthesis of sulfated polysaccharides is described.
Isozymes and Heteroenzymes
Authors: Wieland T. , Pfleiderer G.
Published: December 2003

“Heteroenzyme” is the term applied to proteins of different origin that differ in their physical, chemical, and biochemical properties, but have the same biological action. Enzymes that have the same origin, and consist of very similar, but distinguishable proteins have been named “isozymes” [*]; they may also be designated as “multiple forms.”
Mechanical and Dielectric Relaxation Phenomena and their Molecular‐Physical Interpretation
Authors: Zeil Werner
Published: December 2003

Measurement of mechanical and dielectric relaxation phenomena provides some information concerning intermolecular interactions. These have been thoroughly elucidated for gases, whereas with liquids and amorphous solids (high plymers), we are limited to simplified representations by models. Although at present the main emphasis in applied technology is placed on relaxation investigations of high polymers, it seems appropriate to present here the general physical principles of mechanical and dielectric relaxation phenomena. Further‐more, a review of the relaxation behavior of gases, liquids, and amorphous solids (high polymers) is given. These problems were the main topic of the Sixtieth Congress of the “Deutsche Bunsen Gesellschaft für Physikalische Chemie” [1]. Relaxation phenomena dependent upon chemical equilibria and the field of magnetic relaxation phenomena are not discussed.
Phosphonitrilic Chlorides from Phosphorus Pentachloride
Authors: Becke‐Goehring Margot , Fluck Ekkehard
Published: December 2003

Under suitable conditions, PCL5 reacts and quantitatively with NH4Cl to form [Cl3P = N–PCl3] [PCl6], which, with additional PCl5 and NH4Cl, is transformed to [Cl3P = N–PCl2 = N–PCl3] [PCl6].The cation of the latter compound and the NH ion react with ring closure to form [NPCl2]3, together with longer chains which can yield with NH either [NPCl2]4 or, for example, Cl3P = N‐(PCl2 = N) n‐PCl2 = NH. The salt‐like intermediates of the phosphonitrilic chloride synthesis react with S02 to form the oxygen‐containing products, Cl3P = N–P(O)Cl2 and Cl3P = N–PCl2 = N–P(O)Cl2. Sulfur analogs are also easily obtained. The constitution of the compounds was determined by nuclear magnetic reasonance spectroscopy.
Advances in the Chemistry of Organic Ring Systems with Adamantane Type Structures
Authors: Stetter H.
Published: December 2003

Since the last review of the topic in 1954 [1], the chemistry of organic compounds with the adamantane type structures has been considerably advanced in scope and significance by the work of the author and of others. Since 1954, the number of ring systems of this type known has risen from 13 to 22. At the same time, the number of compounds with adamantane type structures known has been more than tripled. Summary of recent advances is therefore justified. As before, the emphasis in this review is placed on complete coverage.
Syntheses in the Tetracycline Series
Authors: Muxfeldt H.
Published: December 2003

Tetracyclines are antibiotics used most freequently in the chemotherapy of infectious diseases. Numerous degradation and transformation products of natural teracyclines have been prepared and their biological properties tested. Furthermore, workers in several laboratories have been engaged in synthetizing tetracyclines or their biologically active degradation products. Some investigations carried out by the author and collaborators in this connection will be reported.
Long Periods in Drawn Polyethylene
Authors: Fischer E. W. , Schmidt G. F.
Published: December 2003

Meridional reflections appearing in small‐angle X‐ray diffraction diagrams of drawn polyethylene are caused by a nearly periodic arrangement of crystalline and disordered regions. The long period, which is determined by the average distance between two consecutive crystallites, depends on the method of preparing the sample. The time and temperature dependences of the positions of the small‐angle reflections have been investigated. The growth of the long period of unoriented bulk polyethlene and polyethylene single crystal follows the same time dependence as that of stretched films. However, characteristic differences were obseved in the relationship between density and long period; they are attributed to the fact that in single crystals and in material crystallized from the melt, the chains are folded at the boundaries of the crystallites, whereas this in not the case in stretched polyethylene.
Dyeing of Poly(acrylonitrile) Fibers with Azatrimethinecyanines
Authors: Voltz Jacques
Published: December 2003

Like all basic dyes, azatrimethinecyanines possess a good dyeing affinity for acrylic fibers. Compounds with isolated nitrogen atoms in the trimethine chain show insufficient light fastness, whereas good to excellent fastness to light is displayed by compounds having neighboring nitrogen atoms in the chain. Thus, a working hypothesis stating that the light fastness of trimethinecyanines on acrylic fibers is improved by progressive replacement of methine groups by nitrogen atoms has been partially confirmed.
Problems in the Theoretical Treatment of Reactions Occurring at Easily Passivated Metal Anodes
Authors: Vetter K. J.
Published: December 2003

Industrial anode materials should show small tendency to corrode in order to have a long life and, from energy considerations, should give low anodic overvoltages. The maximum corrosion in the active state in the presence and absence of complex formation is discussed of porous outer films of more difficulty soluble corrosion products. Corrosion in the passive state is treated as a property of the nonporous passive layer; several examples are presented, and the Flade potential for transitions from the active to the passive state and its properties are discussed. The influence of pH and complexing agents on passive corrosion is treated. Anode processes or, as treated here, redox processes such as the evolution of oxygen or chlorine can take place at passive electrodes only if the passive film has a sufficiently high electron conductivity. This is not the case with films on aluminum, titanium, and tantalum, for example. The overvoltage on passive anodes is a property of the passive film at the electrolyte side of the phase boundary. – Semiconducting materials and graphite as anode materials are discussed separately.
Ionic Hydrogenations and Dehydrogenations
Authors: Meerwein H. , Wunderlich Kl. , Zenner K. Fr.
Published: December 2003

In acetonitrile, 4‐chlorobenzenediazonium fluoroborates readily add onto trimethylamine to give 4‐trimethylammoniumbenzenediazonium chloride fluroborates. These addition products have a pronounced tendency to accept two hydrogen atoms in the form of a hydride ion and a proton from donors such as 1,4‐dihydrobenzene, 1,3‐dioxolans, 1,4‐dioxan etc. The diazonium group is thereby reduced, and the trimethylammonium group is split off as trimethylammonium fluroborate and replaced by the chloride ion. In the presence of a trace of copper, the reaction mechanism is changed from an ioinic to a free‐radieal one. In this case, just as in the absence of copper, the diazonium group is reduced, but the trimethylammonium group is retained. Alcohols behave in the same way as the donors of ionic hydrogen cited.
Isocyanates of Esters of Some Acids of Phosphorus and Silicion
Authors: Holtschmidt H. , Oertel G.
Published: December 2003

Several aminoaryl esters of phosphoric and thiophosphoric acids were prepared by the reaction of phosphorus pentahalides with nitrophenols, followed by catalytic hydrogenation, or by treating aminophenols with phosphorus trihalides and oxidation to pentavalent phosphorus. These amino esters were then converted into isocyanato esters by the action of phosgene. Isocyanates of phosphonates have been synthetized on the same principle, as well as via the Arbusov reaction of halogen‐substituted isocyanates with trialkyl phosphites. The reaction of silicon halides or alkylhalogenosilanes with aminophenols yielded aminoaryl esters of silicic acid or its derivatives, which could also be treated with phosgene to convert them into isocyanato esters.
Stereochemistry of Displacement Reactions at Phosphorus Atoms
Authors: Hudson R. F. , Green M.
Published: December 2003

Recent interest in the stereochemistry of displacement reactions involving second row elements has led to rapid advances in the preparation and resolution of asymmetric phosphorus compounds. The changes in optical activity accompanying substitution at an optically active phosphorus atom, the reactivity of cyclic phosphates, and the mechanism of intramolecular decomposition reactions involving a phosphorus centre are discussed in terms of the electronic structure of possible transition states.
Some Illustrative Applications of NMR Spectroscopy to Organic Chemistry
Authors: Roberts J. D.
Published: December 2003

In recent years, a revolution in the practice of organic chemistry has been brought about by the application of physical methods. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been especially important in this regard, but so many papers have been published dealing with its uses in organic chemistry that any brief review such as this one can only cover illustrative examples. After a general introduction, attention will be focussed here on several interesting structural and dynamic problems involving or related to research being carried on in our laboratories.
Metal π‐Complexes with Di‐ and Oligo‐olefinic Ligands
Authors: Fischer E. O. , Werner H.
Published: December 2003

To the somewhat casual observer, the concept “metal π‐complex” is primarily associated with the names “ferrocene” and “dibenzenechromium”. The preparation of these two compounds was in fact the starting point of a development which has had fruitful effects on theoretical as well as preparative chemistry and the limits of which are not yet in sight. In recent years, many straight‐chain and cyclic olefins with varying numbers of double bonds have been added to the list of ligands in metal π‐complexes, besides such “aromatic” systems as the cyclopentadienyl anion, benzene, and the tropylium cation. The literature in this area is already so copious that it seems advisable to adopt a division into compounds with mono‐olefins and those with di‐ and oligo‐olefins. The present review is concerned exclusively with the latter group.
Macromolecules with Non‐uniform Solubilities – Heterogels and Heteropolymers
Authors: Sadron Ch.
Published: December 2003

It is possible to produce chain‐like macromolecules A–B, with A and B parts which have different solubilities in a given solvent. In solvents, depending on the concentration, the insoluble parts of these non‐uniformly soluble macromolecules form micelles, aggregates, cylinders, or layers, while the soluble parts and the solvent fill up the gaps. The structure of these heterogels is destroyed by stirring or heating, but it can be fixed by polymerizing the solvent.
Recent Developments in the Chemistry of Metal Silyls of the Type M(SiR3)n
Authors: Wiberg E. , Stecher O. , Andrascheck H. J. , Kreuzbichler L. , Staude E.
Published: December 2003

Whereas rapid strides have recently been made in the chemistry of the silyls of nonmetals, our knowledge of metal silyls is still scanty. Silyl compounds with every nonmetal are now known, but the literature on metal silyls is almost entirely restricted to silyl compounds of the alkali metals. This is all the more surprising, since the closely related field of elementalhomologous organometallic compounds of the type M(CR3)n (Where M = metal, R = hydrogen and/or organic residue, and n = valence of the metal) is among the most interesting and extensively studied areas of chemistry. This report will therefore deal with the results of recent investigations on metal silyls which led beyond the alkali silyls to silyl compounds of the alkaline earth metals, zinc, mercury, aluminum, and tin.