bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: KREINOVICH VLADIK
Published: November 2003

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstract (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here), to vladik@cs.utep.edu, or by regular mail to: Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
Genetic Determinants of Arterial Thrombosis
Authors: Voetsch Barbara , Loscalzo Joseph
Published: November 2003

Arterial thrombosis is a complex disorder that involves multiple genetic and environmental factors interacting to produce the characteristic phenotype. In the past decades, investigators have focused on the molecular genetics of arterial vascular disorders and have identified numerous polymorphisms and mutations in genes related to the hemostatic system and to enzymes involved in the synthesis and bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO); however, the relation between most polymorphisms and the risk of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral vascular disease remains highly controversial. In this review, we describe the most common genetic variations involved in the pathogenesis of arterial thrombosis, their functional implications, and their association with disease risk. Specifically, we consider polymorphisms in coagulation factors (fibrinogen, prothrombin, FV Leiden, FVII, and FXIII); fibrinolytic factors (tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor); platelet surface receptors; methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase; endothelial NO synthase; and the antioxidant enzymes paraoxonase and plasma glutathione peroxidase. Overall, there seems to be a modest contribution of individual genetic variants in the hemostatic and antioxidant systems to the risk of arterial thrombosis. Thus, future research ought to focus on identifying novel genetic determinants and on the interaction of these genetic risk factors with each other and the environment to understand better the pathobiology and susceptibility to arterial thrombotic disease.
Anticoagulation or Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement for Patients With Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage Developing Venous Thromboembolism?
Authors: Kelly J. , Hunt B.J. , Lewis R.R. , Rudd A.
Published: November 2003

Background—

Most patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage developing clinically apparent proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) require treatment with either anticoagulants or inferior vena cava filter insertion. Although the latter probably reduces the immediate risk of incident or recurrent PE and surmounts the undefined risk of recurrent intracranial bleeding with anticoagulation, the issue of preventing further thrombus propagation is not addressed, and there are associated short- and long-term risks, including a greater incidence of recurrent DVT.

Summary of Review—

There are no data from randomized trials to clarify optimum treatment in these patients; indeed, the feasibility of such studies is questionable. Hence, treatment decisions continue to be made on an individualized basis and should include assimilation of information on key factors such as time elapsed post-stroke and lobar versus deep hemispheric location of the index event, natural history studies demonstrating a two-fold risk of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage in the former subgroup.

Conclusions—

In patients selected for anticoagulation, data from nonstroke patients suggest that a 5- to 10-day course of full-dose low-molecular-weight heparin followed by 3 months of lower-dose low-molecular-weight heparin is at least as effective as warfarin and may be associated with fewer hemorrhagic complications.
Head Computed Tomography Findings Predict Short-Term Stroke Risk After Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Douglas Vanja C. , Johnston Clarissa M. , Elkins Jacob , Sidney Stephen , Gress Daryl R. , Johnston S. Claiborne
Published: November 2003

Background and Purpose—

Current guidelines recommend the use of head CT in the evaluation of patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA), but data supporting its value are sparse.

Methods—

Patients who presented to 1 of 16 emergency departments of a large Northern California health maintenance organization and received a diagnosis of TIA from November 1997 through February 1998 were enrolled and followed up for 90 days. Clinical, demographic, and outcome data were obtained from computerized databases and medical records. Physicians blinded to patient characteristics and outcomes abstracted head CT findings from radiology reports. Abstracted findings included evidence of old or new infarct, periventricular white-matter disease, cerebral atrophy, cerebral vascular calcification, and nonischemic lesions.

Results—

Head CT was performed in 67% of eligible patients (n=322) diagnosed with TIA. Evidence of a new infarct was seen on head CT in 13 patients (4%). A nonischemic cause of TIA symptoms was found in 4 patients (1.2%). During follow-up, 10.9% of TIA patients experienced subsequent stroke. After adjustment for confounders, risk for stroke during follow-up was significantly higher in those with a new infarct on head CT compared with others with TIA (odds ratio, 4.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.16 to 14.14;
P
=0.028). Old infarction, periventricular white-matter disease, cerebral atrophy, and cerebral vascular calcification were not predictors of subsequent risk of stroke.

Conclusions—

Evidence of a new infarct on head CT in patients presenting with TIA is associated with increased short-term risk for stroke. Head CT appears to have prognostic value in patients with TIA and, for this reason alone, may be justified in their evaluation.
Neuron and glia generating progenitors of the mammalian enteric nervous system isolated from foetal and postnatal gut cultures
Authors: Bondurand Nadege , Natarajan Dipa , Thapar Nikhil , Atkins Chris , Pachnis Vassilis
Published: November 2003

Cultures of dissociated foetal and postnatal mouse gut gave rise to neurosphere-like bodies, which contained large numbers of mature neurons and glial cells. In addition to differentiated cells, neurosphere-like bodies included proliferating progenitors which, when cultured at clonal densities,gave rise to colonies containing many of the neuronal subtypes and glial cells present in the mammalian enteric nervous system. These progenitors were also capable of colonising wild-type and aganglionic gut in organ culture and had the potential to generate differentiated progeny that localised within the intrinsic ganglionic plexus. Similar progenitors were also derived from the normoganglionic small intestine of mice with colonic aganglionosis. Our findings establish the feasibility of expanding and isolating early progenitors of the enteric nervous system based on their ability to form distinct neurogenic and gliogenic structures in culture. Furthermore, these experiments provide the rationale for the development of novel approaches to the treatment of congenital megacolon (Hirschsprung's disease) based on the colonisation of the aganglionic gut with progenitors derived from normoganglionic bowel segments.
Mouse embryonic chimeras: tools for studying mammalian development
Authors: Tam Patrick P. L. , Rossant Janet
Published: November 2003

Embryonic chimeras of the mouse are well-established tools for studying cell lineage and cell potential. They are also a key part of the analysis of complex phenotypes of mutant mice. By combining embryonic stem cell technology, molecularly tagged mutations and sensitive cell lineage markers,chimeras can provide invaluable insights into the tissue-specific requirement and the mode of action of many mouse genes.
A different fixation of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty may lead to preservation of femoral bone stock
Authors: Barink M , Verdonschot N , de Waal Malefijt M
Published: November 2003

Good femoral bone stock is important for the stability of the femoral component in revision knee arthroplasty. However, the primary total knee replacement (TKR) may cause significant loss of bone stock in the distal anterior femur. Earlier stress-induced bone remodelling simulations have suggested that a completely debonded component may save bone stock in the distal anterior region. However, these simulations did not consider the fixation of a debonded implant and possible secondary effects of micromotions and osteolysis at the interface. The current study tries to combine the preservation of bone stock with adequate component fixation. Different bone remodelling simulations were performed around femoral knee components with different sizes of bonding area and different friction characteristics of the debonded area. The fixation of the femoral component with different bonding characteristics is quantified with calculated implant-bone interface stresses. The results show that a bonded femoral component with a debonded inner side of the anterior flange may significantly reduce bone resorption in the endangered distal anterior femur, without jeopardizing the fixation of the femoral implant. This effect may be obtained in vivo by using a femoral component with a highly polished inner side of the anterior flange.
Photochemistry of Benzocyclobutene-1,2-dione Studied by Laser Flash Photolysis with UV/VIS and IR Detection
Authors: Oishi Shigero , Ozaki Jun
Published: November 2003

Kinetic behavior of bisketene generated by the photolysis of benzocyclobutene-1,2-dione in solution was investigated by TRIR and it was found that the formation of pyridine ylide could be explained by the reaction of pyridine with the bisketene, not oxacarbene.
Semiparametric Analysis to Estimate the Deal Effect Curve
Authors: Van Heerde Harald J. , Leeflang Peter S.H. , Wittink Dick R.
Published: November 2003

The marketing literature suggests several phenomena that may contribute to the nature of the relationship between sales and price discounts. These phenomena can produce complex nonlinearities and interactions in the deal effect curve that are best captured with a flexible approach. Because a fully nonparametric regression model suffers from the curse of dimensionality, the authors propose a semiparametric regression model. Store-level sales over time are modeled as a non-parametric function of own- and cross-item price discounts and a parametric function of other predictors. The authors compare the predictive validity of the semiparametric model with that of two parametric benchmark models and obtain superior performance. The results for three product categories indicate threshold and saturation effects for both own-and cross-item temporary price cuts. The authors also find that the nature of the own-item curve depends on other items' price discounts. Comparisons with restricted model specifications show that both the flexible main effects and flexible interaction effects contribute to the superior results for the semiparametric approach. The interaction effects are so complex that it is unlikely for any parametric model to be satisfactory. In a separate analysis, the authors illustrate how the shape of the deal effect curve depends on own-item promotion signals. There is a crossover interaction effect: For the item analyzed, feature advertising produces a higher sales effect up to a 20% discount, whereas display achieves higher sales for discounts in excess of 20%.
Developing Synergies between Promotions and Brands in Different Price-Quality Tiers
Authors: Lemon Katherine N. , Nowlis Stephen M.
Published: November 2003

Brands are promoted in many different ways. In this research, the authors examine synergies between different types of promotions and characteristics of the brands that offer the promotions. Specifically, the authors examine interactions among feature advertising, display, price promotions, and the price-quality tier of the brand offering them. Using both scanner data and experiments, the authors find that high-tier brands benefit more than low-tier brands from price promotions, displays, or feature advertising when these promotional tools are used by themselves. This advantage disappears, however, when certain promotional tools are used in combination with one another. In particular, the authors find that price promotions have a more equal effect on low-tier and high-tier brands when these promotions are offered in settings where comparisons are difficult (end-of-aisle displays or feature advertising). Furthermore, the combined effects of displays and price promotions, or feature advertising and price promotions, are greater on the low-tier brands than on the high-tier brands. The results provide insights into the conditions under which specific marketing tools are most effective for which brands. The authors discuss theoretical implications of the results as they relate to promotions and consumer decision making and outline strategic implications for retailers and manufacturers.
Refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura: Responses to treatment with a recombinant antibody to lymphocyte membrane antigen CD20 (rituximab)
Authors: Narang Mohit , Penner John A. , Williams Dan
Published: November 2003

“Refractory” autoimmune thrombocytopenia represents a life‐threatening condition, having failed to respond to a variety of therapeutic measures. We report a series of cases, all failing splenectomy and multiple therapeutic programs, including, in two patients, marrow transplant. Five of the six cases reported responded to a recombinant antibody to the lymphocyte membrane antigen CD20 (rituximab), an agent commonly employed in the treatment of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. Our experiences over a period of 4 years are documented. The results support the use of this product, rituximab, in the treatment of patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia who have not attained a hemostatically effective platelet count following splenectomy and require a continuing therapeutic management program. Am. J. Hematol. 74:263–267, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pesticide exposure and women's health
Authors: García Ana M.
Published: November 2003

Background

Research on pesticide‐related health effects has been mostly focused in industrialized countries and in men. This paper discusses critical issues related to women's pesticide exposure and its effects on women's health.

Methods

The literature on pesticides was reviewed with emphasis on data related to women. Attention was focused on research suggesting different conditions of exposure or different response to pesticides by sex. Studies on cancer and reproductive effects were used as illustrative examples.

Results

Women are increasingly exposed to pesticides in developing countries, where women's poisoning and other pesticide‐related injuries seem to be greatly underestimated. Many of the effects of pesticides in human health will be the same for men and women, but not always. Some organochlorine pesticides have been related to breast cancer in post‐menopausal women. However, knowledge about other pesticides is much more limited. Epidemiological studies assessing maternal exposure to individual pesticides and abortion, fetal death, or congenital defects are not conclusive, although some suggestive associations have been observed.

Conclusions

Gender‐sensitive research is needed to properly address the study of women's pesticide exposures and related adverse outcomes. A better understanding of potential gender–environment and sex–environment interactions related to pesticide exposure and health effects in women is needed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:584–594, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Depressive and anxiety symptoms among housemaids
Authors: Sales Eliane Cardoso , Santana Vilma Sousa
Published: November 2003

Background

Housemaid, the most common occupation in the female labor force in Brazil, is known to be targeted by a generalized racial and job discrimination, which can generate mental suffering such as depressive and anxiety symptoms. In this cross‐sectional study, the association between being a maid and having depressive and anxiety symptoms was evaluated.

Methods

Data for this study was taken from a former survey carried out in a random sample of 470 families living in a poor area of the city of Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. The study population comprised all women between the ages of 14 and 69, who reported having a paid occupation (n = 335). Data was collected by trained interviewers, using questionnaires. Psychological symptoms were identified using the Questionnaire for Psychiatric Morbidity among Adults, (QMPA), from which only those related to depression and anxiety (QMPA‐SAD) were analyzed.

Results

Logistic regression showed that being a housemaid was positively associated with “sadness/tiredness” (adjusted prevalence ratio, PRadj = 1.64; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.17–2.28), “poor concentration” (PRadj = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.13–2.90), “palpitations” (PRadj = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.28–3.84), and “aggressive behavior” (PRaj = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.01–2.46).

Conclusions

Although cross‐sectional designs are limited by causal inference, these results are in accordance with those obtained in qualitative studies. Advances in the Brazilian labor legislation with respect to domestic service may help to reduce social discrimination and contribute towards minimizing a possible mental burden resulting from this occupation. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:685–691, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developing integrative computational models of pulmonary structure
Authors: Tawhai Merryn H. , Burrowes Kelly S.
Published: November 2003

Integrative computational modeling of the pulmonary system aims to incorporate interactions between the lung's subsystems by means of a hierarchy of structural and functional models. This requires detailed imaging‐based data, along with a wide range of functional information from experiments. Advances in computed tomography imaging technology ensure that high‐resolution data are now readily available upon which the structure of these models can be based. We present methods for constructing anatomically realistic finite element models of interrelated pulmonary structures from such data. Segmented human lung lobe data are fit to high‐order (cubic Hermite) volume elements. Meshes for the conducting airways and pulmonary arteries and veins are constructed within the lobe mesh, using a combination of fitting to imaging data and a bifurcating‐distributive algorithm. The algorithm generates an airway‐consistent mesh within a host volume, and this airway mesh is then used as a template for generating blood vessel models. The lung parenchyma is modeled as a space‐filling three‐dimensional (3D) Voronoi mesh, with generated geometry consistent with the alveolated airway structure. Pulmonary capillaries are generated over the alveolar model, as a 2D Voronoi mesh. These structural models have been compared extensively with morphometric data to verify that their geometry is representative of the pulmonary system. The models are designed to be integrative: they relate multiple structural systems within the same individual, and their use as computational meshes allows application of spatially distributed properties. Anat Rec (Part B: New Anat) 275B:207–218, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Building and breaking bridges between sister chromatids
Authors: Haering Christian H. , Nasmyth Kim
Published: November 2003

Eukaryotic chromosomes undergo dramatic changes and movements during mitosis. These include the individualization and compaction of the two copies of replicated chromosomes (the sister chromatids) and their subsequent segregation to the daughter cells. Two multisubunit protein complexes termed ‘cohesin’ and ‘condensin’, both composed of SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) and kleisin subunits, have emerged as crucial players in these processes. Cohesin is required for holding sister chromatids together whereas condensin, together with topoisomerase II, has an important role in organizing individual axes of sister chromatids prior to their segregation during anaphase. SMC and kleisin complexes also regulate the compaction and segregation of bacterial nucleoids. New research suggests that these ancient regulators of chromosome structure might function as topological devices that trap chromosomal DNA between 50 nm long coiled coils. BioEssays 25:1178–1191, 2003. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Secondary phosphine oxides: tautomerism and chiral recognition monitored by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy of their Rh2[(R)‐MTPA]4 adducts
Authors: Magiera Damian , Szmigielska Anna , Pietrusiewicz K. Michal , Duddeck Helmut
Published: November 2003

Six secondary phosphine oxides and their tautomeric equilibria as free ligands and in the presence of an equimolar amount of the chiral dirhodium complex Rh* are described and discussed. Discrimination of enantiomers is easily possible by inspecting the 31P NMR resonances; some 1H and 13C NMR resonances are useful as well. H/D exchange of the acidic protons in the phosphine oxides takes place with acetone‐d6, the solvent additive, after some hours but does not obscure the chiral recognition experiment. 103Rh,31P coupling constants are discussed briefly. Decomposition of ligand molecules in 1:1‐Rh*‐adducts occurs slowly but completely. Chirality 16:57–64, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multifractal features in temporal patterns of seismicity in southern Apennine Chain (Italy)
Authors: Telesca Luciano , Lapenna Vincenzo , Macchiato Maria
Published: November 2003

The temporal patterns of seismic sequences frequently show multifractal features. This is seen in the clustering properties of 1983–1998 seismicity data from the southern Apennine Chain (Italy), one of the most seismically active regions of the Mediterranean area. The results from a multifractal analysis of the temporal distribution of seismic events suggest that the intermittent character of the sequence does not depend on the threshold magnitude. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐parametric tests and confidence regions for intrinsic diversity profiles of ecological populations
Authors: Di Battista Tonio , Gattone Stefano A.
Published: November 2003

Evaluation of diversity profiles is useful for ecologists to quantify the diversity of biological communities. Measures of diversity profile can be expressed as a function of the unknown abundance vector. Thus, the estimators and related confidence regions and tests of hypotheses involve aspects of multivariate analysis. In this setting, using a suitable sampling design, inference is developed assuming an asymptotic specific distribution of the profile estimator. However, in a biological framework, ecologists work with small sample sizes, and the use of any probability distribution is hazardous. Assuming that a sample belongs to the family of replicated sampling design, we show that the diversity profile estimator can be expressed as a linear combination of the ranked abundance vector estimators. Hence we are able to develop a non‐parametric approach based on a bootstrap in order to build balanced simultaneous confidence sets and tests of hypotheses for diversity profiles. Finally, the proposed procedure is applied on the avian populations of four parks in Milan, Italy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RIFLE: A novel ring zinc finger‐leucine‐rich repeat containing protein, regulates select cell adhesion molecules in PC12 cells
Authors: Li Baolin , Su Yuan , Ryder John , Yan Lei , Na Songqing , Ni Binhui
Published: November 2003

Cell adhesion molecules play a critical role in cell contacts, whether cell–cell or cell–matrix, and are regulated by multiple signaling pathways. In this report, we identify a novel ring zinc finger‐leucine‐rich repeat containing protein (RIFLE) and show that RIFLE, expressed in PC12 cells, enhances the Serine (Ser)21/9 phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3α/β (GSK‐3α/β) resulting in the inhibition of GSK‐3 kinase activity and increase of β‐catenin levels. RIFLE expression also is associated with elevated E‐cadherin protein levels but not N‐cadherin. The regulation of these cell adhesion‐associated molecules by RIFLE is accompanied by a significant increase in cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion. Moreover, increase in cell–cell adhesion but not cell–matrix adhesion by RIFLE can be mimicked by selective inhibition of GSK‐3. Our results suggest that RIFLE represents a novel signaling protein that mediates components of the Wnt/wingless signaling pathway and cell adhesion in PC12 cells. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo imaging and tumor therapy with the sodium iodide symporter
Authors: Dingli David , Russell Stephen J. , Morris John C.
Published: November 2003

There has been great progress in the design of vectors for cancer gene therapy. However, it has been difficult to translate success in the laboratory into clinical practice. A major hurdle in understanding these failures has been the relative difficulty in monitoring repeatedly and non‐invasively the biodistribution, gene expression and replication of these viral vector systems. With the advent of molecular imaging technology, this deficiency is being rapidly rectified. A number of reporter genes have been used to monitor gene expression. In this review, we discuss the role of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as a reporter and therapeutic gene for cancer gene therapy when combined with various radioactive isotopes. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of TNF‐β polymorphism with disease severity among patients infected with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Goyal Ankur , Kazim Syed N. , Sakhuja Puja , Malhotra Veena , Arora Naveen , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: November 2003

The pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unclear. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) is alleged to contribute in the pathogenesis of chronic HCV infection. Single nucleotide polymorphism in TNF‐α and ‐β genes could influence the outcome of HCV infection. The aim was to study single nucleotide polymorphism in TNF‐α promoter region and Nco I polymorphisms in the TNF‐β gene in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Fifty‐two patients with histologically proven chronic hepatitis, who had raised ALT levels (>1.5 × ULN) and were HCV RNA positive, were studied. Genotyping of −308 promoter variant of TNF‐α was performed by PCR with primers that incorporated an Nco I restriction site. For PCR typing of the TNF‐β Nco I restriction fragment length polymorphism, sequence specific primers were used. Polymorphism in the TNF‐α G/G, G/A and A/A allele was not different between HCV patients and healthy controls. TNF‐β A/A allele was significantly more common (P < 0.02) in patients (28.8%) as compared to controls (12.8%), whereas no significant difference was observed for TNF‐β G/A and G/G alleles. Nco I TNF‐β A/A was strongly associated with −308 TNF‐α G/G (RR of HCV persistence = 4.9), indicating possible linkage between TNF‐β A/A and TNF‐α G/G allele. Patients with severe hepatic fibrosis more frequently had the TNF‐β A/A allele as compared to patients with mild disease (P = 0.04). Immunogenetic factors, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms in TNF‐β (A/A allele), may affect the natural course of HCV infection, in particular, the disease progression. Larger studies including cytokine expression profiles are needed to fully understand the contribution of the polymorphisms described in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. J. Med. Virol. 72:60–65, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic analysis of group B human rotaviruses detected in Bangladesh in 2000 and 2001
Authors: Ahmed Muzahed U. , Kobayashi Nobumichi , Wakuda Mitsutaka , Sanekata Takeshi , Taniguchi Koki , Kader Abdul , Naik Trailokya N. , Ishino Masaho , Alam Md. Mahbub , Kojima Kazunobu , Mise Keiji , Sumi Ayako
Published: November 2003

Group B rotaviruses detected in Bangladesh in 2000 and 2001 were analyzed genetically to clarify relatedness to human group B rotaviruses reported previously in China and India, and to animal group B rotaviruses. VP7 gene sequences of the Bangladeshi group B rotaviruses (Bang373, Bang544, Bang334, and Bang402) were almost identical to each other and also showed high sequence identity to the Indian strain CAL‐1 (98%) and Chinese strain adult diarrhea rotavirus (ADRV) (92%), while identities to bovine and murine viruses were considerably low (60–63%). Other genes of Bang373 and Bang544 encoding VP2, VP4, VP6, and NSP1 ∼ NSP5 also showed much higher sequence identities to those of CAL‐1 (97.7–99.4%) than to those of ADRV (89.9–93.9%). Characterization of nucleotide substitutions among Bang373, CAL‐1, and ADRV suggested that all the gene segments might have evolved neutrally at similar mutation rates, while some of the gene segments (e.g., VP2 gene) were suggested to be more conserved than others. In conclusion, group B rotaviruses detected in Bangladesh represented by Bang373 and the Indian virus CAL‐1 were considered as virtually identical viruses which are distinct genetically from ADRV, and it was suggested that Bang373 (CAL‐1)‐like group B rotavirus (Bengali strains) might be distributed primarily in an area around the Bay of Bengal. J. Med. Virol. 72:149–155, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thymidine analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors resistance mutations profiles and association to other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors resistance mutations observed in the context of virological failure
Authors: Marcelin Anne‐Geneviève , Delaugerre Constance , Wirden Marc , Viegas Pedro , Simon Anne , Katlama Christine , Calvez Vincent
Published: November 2003

During ZDV or d4T exposure, mutations at codons 41, 67, 70, 210, 215, and 219 can be selected and were named thymidine analogue mutations (TAMs). Some previous results suggested that different TAMs patterns could exist and that the kind of TAMs pattern could influence the virological response to some nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). In order to get more data about the relative prevalence of these patterns, their associations with other NRTI resistance mutations and the identification of the different stages observed during the acquisition of TAMs under treatment by NRTIs, we collected 1,098 RT sequences harbouring at least one TAM from patients failing to antiretroviral regimen. Sequences were stored in a database designed specifically to allow the retrieval of sequences that met specific criteria such as the occurrence and frequency of a particular mutation, the nature and frequency of the amino acid substitution at a given codon, and/or the rate of association between resistance mutations. Two pathways of TAMs can be identified: profile #1 (T215Y mutation linked) and profile # 2 (T215F mutation linked). The frequency of selection of profile # 1 is two times higher than profile # 2. The E44D/A + V118I complex, 69 insertions, and L74V mutation are associated to profile #1, whereas the Q151M complex and M184V mutation are associated to both profiles. As some NRTI resistance mutations were associated preferentially with profile #1, further studies are needed to explore if, the weaker efficacy observed on viruses harbouring this profile using some NRTIs, could be explained by the TAMs profile itself or the other associated NRTI resistance mutations. J. Med. Virol. 72:162–165, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Virus‐specific effector CD4+ T‐cell responses in hemodialysis patients with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Rico Miguel A. , Ruiz Sara , Subirá Dolores , Barril Guillermina , Cigarrán Secundino , Castañón Susana , Quiroga Juan A. , Selgas Rafael , Carreño Vicente
Published: November 2003

Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis who are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) may test consistently anti‐HCV negative. Because CD4+ T‐cells provide help for antibody production virus‐specific effector CD4+ T‐cell responses were investigated in relation to anti‐HCV positivity in 15 hemodialysis patients grouped according to HCV antibody and viremia. CD4+ T‐cell reactivity was studied in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by standard lymphocyte proliferation assay and phenotypic/functional characterization (cell‐surface staining/cytokine secretion) by flow cytometry. HCV‐specific CD4+ T‐cell proliferation in viremic hemodialysis patients was weak or absent independently of their anti‐HCV status. Virus‐specific CD4+ T‐cells displayed a memory phenotype and showed low to undetectable capacity to secrete effector interferon (IFN)‐γ. Impaired activation‐induced cytokine secretion appeared to be Th1 (IFN‐γ) but not Th2 (interleukin‐4)‐directed and was virus‐specific as cytomegalovirus responses were preserved. The frequency ex vivo of CD3+CD4+IFN‐γ+ T‐cells was independent of the HCV antibody status and comparable between viremic (range: 0.08–1.54%) or non‐viremic (0.11–3.2%) hemodialysis patients and healthy donors (0.13–1.10%; P = 0.58). The numbers of CD3+CD4+IFN‐γ+ T‐cells augmented slightly (P = 0.047) in HCV‐infected hemodialysis patients but markedly in only one (greater than ninefold) after HCV stimulation. In conclusion, hemodialysis patients show limited HCV‐specific effector CD4+ Th1‐cell responses which nonetheless seem unrelated to the anti‐HCV status and are not more impaired due to the ongoing hemodialysis. J. Med. Virol. 72:66–74, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationships of participative leadership with relational demography variables: a multi‐level perspective
Authors: Somech Anit
Published: November 2003

Relationships of participative leadership with relational demography variables (age, tenure, education, and gender) were explored in an integrated model, combining the ALS (Average Leadership Style) and the LMX (Leader–Member Exchange) approaches to leadership. Data were collected from 561 staff members from 36 schools. The rwg and the WABA (within‐ and between‐analysis) results indicated the prevalence of the LMX model and the individual‐differences approach in explaining the relationship of the leader's participative behaviors with relational demography variables. In addition, consistent with the study hypotheses, the negative relationship between demographic dissimilarity and PDM (participative decision‐making) was stronger in short‐term superior–subordinate relationships than in longer‐term relationships. These results should encourage researchers to theorize on, and then test for levels of analysis when studying participative leadership. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the relationship between global warming, local warming in the Netherlands and changes in circulation in the 20th century
Authors: van Oldenborgh Geert Jan , Van Ulden AAD
Published: November 2003

The temperature in De Bilt in the Netherlands has risen by 1 K over the 20th century. This rise parallels the rise in global temperature quite closely, albeit with a slightly higher amplitude. A linear relationship between the two, with a regression coefficient close to one, is an obvious first‐order approximation. This is supported by the spatial homogeneity of global warming during the 20th century, the lack of seasonality in the temperature rise, and the residuals being almost white in time.

The wind direction is used as a proxy for circulation type. Locally measured wind direction gives the same results as geostrophic wind direction from pressure stations, so that systematic errors are not likely to be large. The temperature in the Netherlands, on the edge of the continent, strongly depends on the wind direction. For most wind directions and seasons the average temperature per wind direction has increased. The exception is northeasterly winds in winter, in which the variability is too large to observe a trend. The increased temperature for each wind direction can explain the observed temperature rise in all seasons within the 95% error estimates.

Changes in the distribution of wind directions explain most of the interannual variability of temperature. On longer time scales, these changes have led to cooler weather in the middle of the century, but no trend is discernible over the whole century. However, in late winter and spring there is clear evidence for a change in the frequency distribution of circulation patterns affecting the Netherlands over the second half of the 20th century. During the months of February to April, more days with southwesterly wind and fewer with northeasterlies have increased the temperature even more than the observed increase in temperature per wind direction. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Tolerance to the substitution of buried apolar residues by charged residues in the homologous protein structures
Authors: Balaji S. , Aruna S. , Srinivasan N.
Published: November 2003

Occurrence and accommodation of charged amino acid residues in proteins that are structurally equivalent to buried non‐polar residues in homologues have been investigated. Using a dataset of 1,852 homologous pairs of crystal structures of proteins available at 2Å or better resolution, 14,024 examples of apolar residues in the structurally conserved regions replaced by charged residues in homologues have been identified. Out of 2,530 cases of buried apolar residues, 1,677 of the equivalent charged residues in homologues are exposed and the rest of the charged residues are buried. These drastic substitutions are most often observed in homologous protein pairs with low sequence identity (<30%) and in large protein domains (>300 residues). Such buried charged residues in the large proteins are often located in the interface of sub‐domains or in the interface of structural repeats, Beyond 7Å of residue depth of buried apolar residues, or less than 4% of solvent accessibility, almost all the substituting charged residues are buried. It is also observed that acidic sidechains have higher preference to get buried than the positively charged residues. There is a preference for buried charged residues to get accommodated in the interior by forming hydrogen bonds with another sidechain than the main chain. The sidechains interacting with a buried charged residue are most often located in the structurally conserved regions of the alignment. About 50% of the observations involving hydrogen bond between buried charged sidechain and another sidechain correspond to salt bridges. Among the buried charged residues interacting with the main chain, positively charged sidechains form hydrogen bonds commonly with main chain carbonyls while the negatively charged residues are accommodated by hydrogen bonding with the main chain amides. These carbonyls and amides are usually located in the loops that are structurally variable among homologous proteins. Proteins 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermodynamic effects of replacements of pro residues in helix interiors of maltose‐binding protein
Authors: Prajapati R.S. , Lingaraju G.M. , Bacchawat Kiran , Surolia Avadhesha , Varadarajan Raghavan
Published: November 2003

Introduction of Pro residues into helix interiors results in protein destabilization. It is currently unclear if the converse substitution (i.e., replacement of Pro residues that naturally occur in helix interiors would be stabilizing). Maltose‐binding protein is a large 370‐amino acid protein that contains 21 Pro residues. Of these, three nonconserved residues (P48, P133, and P159) occur at helix interiors. Each of the residues was replaced with Ala and Ser. Stabilities were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as a function of pH and by isothermal urea denaturation studies as a function of temperature. The P48S and P48A mutants were found to be marginally more stable than the wild‐type protein. In the pH range of 5–9, there is an average increase in Tm values of P48A and P48S of 0.4°C and 0.2°C, respectively, relative to the wild‐type protein. The other mutants are less stable than the wild type. Analysis of the effects of such Pro substitutions in MBP and in three other proteins studied to date suggests that substitutions are more likely to be stabilizing if the carbonyl group i‐3 or i‐4 to the mutation site is not hydrogen bonded in the wild‐type protein. Proteins 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The occurrence of peptaibols and structurally related peptaibiotics in fungi and their mass spectrometric identification via diagnostic fragment ions
Authors: Degenkolb Thomas , Berg Albrecht , Gams Walter , Schlegel Brigitte , Gräfe Udo
Published: November 2003

Peptaibols and related peptide antibiotics (peptaibiotics) display diagnostically useful fragmentation patterns during mass spectrometry (FAB‐MS, ESI‐CID‐MS/MS and CID‐MSn). The paper compiles fragmentation data of pseudo‐molecular ions reported in the literature as a guide to the rational identification of recurrently isolated and new peptaibols and peptaibiotics. Taxonomic and ecological aspects of microorganisms producing peptaibols and peptaibiotics are discussed. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Channel properties of template assembled alamethicin tetramers
Authors: Duclohier Hervé , Alder Glenn , Kociolek Karol , Leplawy Miroslaw T.
Published: November 2003

The multiple conductance levels displayed by the antibiotic alamethicin in planar lipid bilayers is explained by a dynamic ‘barrel‐stave’ model, the conducting pore resulting from the aggregation of up to ten helical amphipathic helical monomers. However, the precise assignment of an oligomerization state to a particular single‐channel conductance substate is far from being experimentally clear. In addition, it could be useful to tailor a given channel geometry to selectively allow the permeation of solutes with different molecular sizes, whilst retaining a high voltage‐dependence. To control the aggregation state of the channel, the TASP (template assembled synthetic proteins) strategy was applied to synthesize structurally defined oligomers, i.e. dimer, trimer, tetramer. The modulation of conductance properties of three alamethicin tetramers with the length and flexibility of the linkers of the ‘open’ or linear template is described. It is shown that the introduction of an alanine between the contiguous lysines to which are tethered C‐terminally modified alamethicin helical monomers stabilizes the open channel states, whereas the alanine substitution by Pro‐Gly, a reverse beta‐turn promoting motif, increases voltage‐dependence and leads to single‐channel conductance values more in line with the expected ones from a tetrameric bundle. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvent effect on intramolecular hydrogen bonds in push–pull conjugated molecules
Authors: Bouchy Alain , Rinaldi Daniel , Rivail Jean‐Louis
Published: November 2003

A series of molecules leading to resonance‐assisted hydrogen bonding has been investigated by means of Becke's three‐parameter functional and the gradient‐corrected functional of Lee, Yang, and Parr/6‐311G(d,p) computations. The solvent (carbon tetrachloride) is simulated by the self‐consistent reaction field model. The influence of the molecular structure on the intramolecular proton transfer is analyzed. The effect of the solvent on the geometry of the hydrogen bonds and on the frequency of the stretching modes of the groups involved in these bonds is noticeable. A linear relationship between the vibrational frequency and the bond length is found. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
A Two Degree of Freedom Gripper Actuated by SMA with Flexure Hinges
Authors: Bertetto A. Manuello , Ruggiu M.
Published: November 2003

A gripper prototype was designed and built. It is made by a rigid structure articulated by compliant hinges. Its kinematics consists of both parallel and angular finger motion. The movements were designed to be independent from each other and auto‐adaptive as well. The motions were driven by Ni‐Ti shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The recovery position is achieved by the elastic force exerted by the flexure hinges in the case of parallel motion and by an axial spring in the case of angular motion. Both the actuators and the hinges were experimentally characterized by suitable test rigs. The gripper prototype was tested and it showed to be able to reach the design performances. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatic venoplasty in right lobe live donor liver transplantation
Authors: Liu Chi-Leung , Zhao Yi , Lo Chung-Mau , Fan Sheung-Tat
Published: November 2003

Inclusion of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) in a right lobe graft is essential to guarantee uniform venous drainage and optimum function of the graft, but end-to-end recipient-to-donor MHV anastomosis may result in outflow obstruction. To avoid outflow obstruction, we designed the venoplasty technique. From September 2000 to November 2002, 65 adult patients received right lobe live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with grafts containing the right hepatic vein (RHV) and MHV. In the first 34 recipients, the graft RHV and MHV were anastomosed to the recipients’ RHV and MHV/left hepatic vein, respectively. For the subsequent 31 recipients, the MHV was joined to the RHV at the back table to form a triangular common orifice. The septum in between the two hepatic veins was divided at the middle and sutured transversely to remove the ridge in between and to create a large opening. The common orifice was anastomosed to a matched-size triangular opening in the recipient’s inferior vena cava. After reperfusion, the presence of triphasic pulsatility on spectral Doppler tracing was regarded as a sign of perfect reconstruction. In the first group, Doppler study showed little flow in the MHV in 3 patients, absent pulsatility in the MHV after portal vein reperfusion in 4 patients, and absent pulsatility in the MHV after hepatic artery reperfusion in 5 patients. In the second group, excellent triphasic pulsatility was seen in all except 1 patient (12 of 34 versus 1 of 31, P = .001). A significant increase in the peak flow velocity was seen in the MHV in the second group (median, 19.45 cm/sec versus 31.4 cm/sec, P<.001). Less time was required to complete the hepatic vein anastomoses in the second group (40 minutes versus 27 minutes, P<.001). In conclusion, hepatic venoplasty technique facilitates the implantation of the right lobe graft and guarantees outflow in the MHV.
A model to predict the development of mental status changes of unclear cause after liver transplantation
Authors: Kanwal Fasiha , Chen David , Ting Lena , Gornbein Jeffrey , Saab Sammy , Durazo Francisco , Yersiz Hasan , Farmer Douglas , Ghobrial Mark R. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Han Steven-Huy
Published: November 2003

Postoperative mental status changes are common after liver transplantation (LT). A clear cause of these mental status changes cannot be identified in a significant proportion of patients. In adult liver transplant recipients, our goals are to: (1) identify independent predictors for the development of post-LT mental status changes of unclear cause and (2) derive a practical formula to predict the risk for developing this complication by using simple clinical parameters. Eligible patients had documented mental status changes of at least 3 days’ duration, occurring within 1 month of LT. Exclusion criteria were known structural brain disorders, major organ dysfunction, or metabolic causes of altered mentation. Age- and sex-matched controls were liver transplant recipients without post-LT neurological sequelae. Data were collected on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect factors predictive of the development of post-LT mental status of unclear cause. There were 40 cases and 40 controls. Independent predictors of mental status changes of unclear cause included alcoholic and metabolic liver diseases; pre-LT mechanical ventilation; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score greater than 15; and nonelective LT. Using these four preoperative factors, a simple predictive rule was developed. Risk for developing altered mental status of unclear cause after LT was 78% to 89% if all four predictors were present versus 0.8% to 2.4% if no predictors were present. In conclusion, alcoholic and metabolic liver diseases, pre-LT mechanical ventilation, MELD score greater than 15, and nonelective LT are independent predictive factors for post-LT altered mental status changes of unclear cause. A simple model can be used to calculate the risk for developing altered mental status post-LT.