bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Family of C3‐Symmetrical Carbohydrate Receptors
Authors: Welti Roger , Diederich François
Published: March 2003

The formation of the new optically active C3‐symmetrical receptors (S,S,S)‐2–4 (Fig. 1), incorporating 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene and 1,3,5‐tris(phenylethynyl)benzene platforms as ‘floors' and ‘ceilings', is described. The tris(phenylethynyl)benzene derivatives 9 and (S,S,S)‐10 (Scheme 1) for the three‐fold peptide coupling to yield the macrocyclic skeletons (Scheme 2) were prepared starting from 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene by the Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction. The optical rotations of the three macrocycles (S,S,S)‐2–4, two of which ((S,S,S)‐2 and (S,S,S)‐3) are constitutional isomers, differ significantly, which is explained by differential twists induced into the macrocyclic skeletons by the leucine spacer in these bridges. 1 : 1 Host–guest complexes of (S,S,S)‐2–4 with octyl glucosides (Fig. 3) in CDCl3 are of modest stability (Ka≤270 M−1 at 300 K). In these complexes, the monosaccharides are most probably nesting on one of the H‐bonding faces of the receptor rather than being accommodated in the cavity.
Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Hong Kong children: HKALL 93 study
Authors: LI C. K. , Chik K. W. , Chan G. C. F. , Yuen H. L. , Lee A. C. W. , Keung Li C. , Shing M. M. K. , Ha S. Y. , Luk C. W. , Ling S. C. , Cheung A. Y. K.
Published: March 2003

A population‐based multicentre study for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was conducted in Hong Kong from 1993 to 1997. One hundred and forty‐five newly diagnosed ALL patients were treated by the HKALL 93 protocol. Patients were stratified into three risk groups according to age, presenting white cell count, immunophenotyping and cytogenetic study. The patients received the same induction and early and late intensification at week 5 and week 20. Fifty‐eight standard risk (SR) patients received regular intrathecal methotrexate as CNS preventive therapy, while 49 intermediate risk (IR) patients received high dose intravenous methotrexate and regular intrathecal methotrexate. Thirty‐eight high risk (HR) patients were treated with prophylactic cranial irradiation and an additional intensification block at week 35. The induction remission rate was 97.2% with 2% induction death. Two patients died during first complete remission. Relapse occurred in 20.7, 42.9 and 42.1% of SR, IR and HR patients respectively. By multivariate logistic regression, age≥10 years and white cell count≥100×109/l were the two significant variables accounting for mortality. The 5‐year overall and event‐free survival of the whole group was 81.3 and 62.6% respectively. According to risk groups, the event‐free survival was 79, 49 and 61% for SR, IR and HR patients respectively, while the overall survival was 96, 73 and 68% for SR, IR and HR patients respectively. In conclusion, the treatment protocol had low treatment‐related mortality but was associated with a rather high relapse rate, especially in IR patients. Salvage therapy achieved sustained second remission in some patients. More intensive treatment especially a late intensification is required to improve the outcome. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of kinematic wave theory for predicting flash flood hazards on coupled alluvial fan–piedmont plain landforms
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Biswajit , Cornelius Joe , Zehner Warren
Published: March 2003

A rainstorm that caused a severe flash flood on the piedmont plain at the toe positions of two alluvial fans located to the west of the Organ Mountains in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA, is analysed. The space–time distributions of rainfall are evaluated from the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) and overland flow is modelled as kinematic wave. The spatial distribution of rainfall shows a topographic control. The greatest rainfall depth, duration, and intensity occurred at the higher elevation mountain slopes and decreased with decreasing elevation from the alluvial fans to the piedmont plain. The alluvial fan–piedmont plain system is modelled by coupling divergent and rectangular overland flow planes. Explicit finite difference approximations, hybridized with the analytical method of characteristics, are made to the kinematic wave equations to account for the spatial and temporal distribution of the rainfall and variable boundary conditions. Simulation results indicate that sheet‐flow floodwater elevations rise (1) in a nonlinear fashion from the apex to toe positions of the alluvial fans, and (2) near linearly from the toe positions of the alluvial fans onto the piedmont plains with the formation of kinematic shocks near the middle to the upstream end of the plane at times between the initiation of the rainstorm and the time of concentration of the plane. Thus, the maximum flooding occurs at the middle or upstream sections of the piedmont plains regardless of the pattern of space–time variability of rainfall. These results are in agreement with observed geomorphologic features suggesting that piedmont plains are naturally flood‐prone areas. This case study demonstrates that flood hazards on piedmont plains can exceed those on alluvial fans. The models presented in this study suggest that the flood hazard zones on coupled alluvial fan–piedmont plain landforms should be delineated transverse to the flow directions, as opposed to the flood hazard zones with boundaries in the longitudinal direction of the axis of an alluvial fan. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring down and up: The missing link
Authors: Burke Joseph C. , Minassians Henrik P
Published: March 2003

With all the reporting of higher education results, why do Measuring Up 2000 and 2002 find mediocre performance in most states? The missing link is common indicators that let policymakers measure up and down the performance chain to fix responsibility for success and shortcomings.
Perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8) induces structural modifications and increases apoptosis in rat primary retinal cultures
Authors: Malchiodi‐Albedi F. , Matteucci A. , Formisano G. , Paradisi S. , Carnovale‐Scalzo G. , Perilli R. , Scorcia G. , Caiazza S.
Published: March 2003

The effects of perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8), recently investigated as a long‐term artificial vitreous substitute, were studied in vitro, with the use of rat retinal cultures seeded on microporous inserts that allow the cell layer to be in contact with the material to be tested, on the apical side, and with the nutrient medium, on the basal side. After 72 h of treatment with F6H8, retinal cultures lost the characteristic two‐layered organization with glial cells at the bottom and neuronal cells on top of them. They appeared to be composed of only one layer of polyhedrical, flattened, and disconnected cells. TUNEL assay revealed an evident increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells in F6H8‐treated cultures (30.1 ± 4.5), compared to control (10.3 ± 2.6) and perfluoroctane‐treated cultures (10.1 ± 1.7). Immunolabeling of MAP‐2, a protein of neuronal cytoskeleton, evidenced a marked loss of neurites. The results suggest that F6H8 is harmful to retinal cells in vitro and can therefore be potentially noxious to the retina as an artificial vitreous substitute. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 65B: 133–136, 2003
Tobramycin and Gentamycin elution analysis between two in situ polymerizable orthopedic composites
Authors: DiCicco M. , Duong T. , Chu A. , Jansen S. A.
Published: March 2003

This research analyzed Tobramycin and Gentamycin elution characteristics for two antibiotic‐impregnated bone composites: PMMA‐based Simplex P® and the novel, hybrid, bioactive, CORTOSS™. Experimental results were correlated with composite hydrophilicity and antibiotic phase partitioning behaviors. The phase partitioning experiment was conducted to understand antibiotic solubility in aqueous environments. By comparing experimental results with calculated data, antibiotic release behavior was predicted. Total Tobramycin elution percentages from CORTOSS and Simplex P were 12.5 and 6.4%, respectively. Total Gentamycin elution percentages from CORTOSS and Simplex P were 6.95 and 10.17%, respectively. Phase partitioning data indicate 100% of Tobramycin remains in aqueous phases, being extremely hydrophilic. This is supported by its calculated theoretical value (log P = − 7.32). Results suggest that Tobramycin elution can be attributed to composite hydrophilicity as well as its high degree of hydrophilicity. Fifteen percent of Gentamycin distributes in hydrophobic phases (log P = − 4.22). Despite a lower Gentamycin hydrophilicity, its release was affected by its complexation with polar salts in the leaching buffer, thereby increasing its elution potential, making it appreciably water soluble. CORTOSS is more hydrophilic; therefore the migration of aqueous liquids into the polymer network of CORTOSS facilitates greater antibiotic elution compared with hydrophobic Simplex P. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 65B: 137–149, 2003
Effect of extent of motion and type of load on the wear of polyethylene in a biaxial hip simulator
Authors: Saikko Vesa , Calonius Olof , Keränen Jaakko
Published: March 2003

The most commonly used wear test device for prosthetic hip joints is the so‐called biaxial rocking motion (BRM) design. The design has been criticized for its excessive sliding distance per cycle. The design was modified so that the extent of motion was reduced from 46 to 23°, and comparative tests were run with the use of 1‐kN static load. The present authors have earlier used 1‐kN static load with good results. To further confirm this finding, additional, comparative tests were run with double‐peak dynamic load and 46° extent of motion. All three tests (46°/static, 23°/static and 46°/dynamic), were done with conventional ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene acetabular cups against polished CoCr femoral heads in diluted calf serum lubricant. In all tests, the principal cup wear mechanism was adhesive, manifested as burnishing. With respect to wear particles, those produced in the 46°/dynamic test showed the lowest resemblance to particles isolated from periprosthetic tissues. The 46°/dynamic test produced a mean wear rate 43% higher than 46°/static, whereas the 46°/static and 23°/static tests produced almost identical values. The results indicated that the 46° extent of motion and dynamic load may not always be the optimal combination in BRM tests. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 65B: 186–192, 2003
Low temperature‐induced dimerization of the bovine sperm serine protease, BSp66
Authors: Cesari Andreina , Cacciato Claudio Santiago , De Castro Rosana Esther , Sánchez Jorge Julián
Published: March 2003

BSp120 and BSp66 are trypsin‐like serine proteases from bovine spermatozoa. The former is active in cryopreserved sperm samples while the latter shows proteolytic activity in recently obtained fresh sperm. Both proteases are immunologically related and co‐localize in the apical portion of the sperm head. In Western blots with specific antibodies, sperm samples incubated with reducing agents showed a decrease in the amount of BSp120, while BSp66 was detected with both anti‐BSp120 and anti‐BSp66 antibodies. BSp120 was evident in frozen intact spermatozoa after 60 days of semen cryopreservation and the kinetic of appearance of this protein was coincident with the decrease in the amount of BSp66. Identical results were obtained by freezing sperm extracts from fresh semen at −20°C. Our results suggest that BSp120 results from disulfide bond‐dimerization of BSp66 and that this process may be induced by temperatures below zero in both intact spermatozoa and in sperm extracts. J. Cell. Biochem. 88: 1057–1065, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cloning and functional characterization of GNPI2, a novel human homolog of glucosamine‐6‐phosphate isomerase/oscillin
Authors: Zhang Jia , Zhang Weiping , Zou Dajin , Chen Guoyou , Wan Tao , Li Nan , Cao Xuetao
Published: March 2003

The enzyme, glucosamine‐6‐phosphate isomerase (GNPI) or deaminase (GNPDA) (EC 5.3.1.10), catalyzes the conversion of GNP to fructose‐6‐phosphate and ammonia, with an aldo/keto isomerization and an amination/deamination. A hamster sperm‐derived protein (Oscillin) with high similarity to bacterial GNPI has been proved to be capable of inducing calcium oscillation in eggs at fertilization. GNPI/Oscillin was supposed to be an important factor in starting embryonic development. From the cDNA library of human dendritic cells (DC), we isolated a novel full‐length cDNA encoding a 276‐amino acid‐residue protein that shares high homology with human GNPI/Oscillin. So, the novel molecule is named as GNPI2. The GNPI2 gene consists of seven exons and six introns. It is mapped to chromosome 4. Northern blot analysis indicated that the tissue distribution of GNPI2 mRNA is different from that of human GNPI or Oscillin mRNA. GNPI2 is ubiquitously expressed in most of human tissues with high expression in testis, ovary, placenta, and heart. Like GNPI, the recombinant GNPI2 has been proved to have the enzymatic activity to catalyze the conversion of GNP to fructose‐6‐phosphate. Our results indicated that GNPI2 is a novel protein with definite function as a GNPI. J. Cell. Biochem. 88: 932–940, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation of PECAM‐1 expression and alternative splicing during differentiation and activation of hematopoietic cells
Authors: Wang Yongji , Su Xiaojing , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader
Published: March 2003

PECAM‐1 (CD31) is a member of immunoglobulin gene superfamily, which is highly expressed on the surface of endothelial cells and at moderate levels on hematopoietic cells. Hematopoietic cells and platelets, like endothelial cells, express multiple isoforms of PECAM‐1. However, the identity and physiological role of these isoforms during hematopoiesis remains largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that PECAM‐1 expression is dramatically up regulated upon phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐mediated differentiation of leukemic HEL and U937 cells. The level of PECAM‐1 expression did not significantly change during activation of Jurkat T cells by PMA or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Utilizing RT‐PCR and DNA sequencing analysis, we show that the expression of PECAM‐1 isoforms changes in a cell‐type and lineage specific manner during cellular differentiation and activation. We identified a number of novel PECAM‐1 isoforms previously not detected in the endothelium. These results demonstrate that regulated expression of PECAM‐1 and its exonic inclusion/exclusion occurs during differentiation and/or activation of hematopoietic cells. Thus, different PECAM‐1 isoforms may play important roles in generation of hematopoietic cells and their potential interactions with vascular endothelium. J. Cell. Biochem. 88: 1012–1024, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human melanoma TrkC: Its association with a purine‐analog‐sensitive kinase activity
Authors: Marchetti Dario , Murry Brian , Galjour Jennifer , Wilke‐Greiter Andrea
Published: March 2003

The various members of the Trk tyrosine kinase family and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) have been identified as signaling receptors for the structurally related members of the neurotrophins (NT) family. We have previously reported that NT treatment of murine and human brain‐metastatic melanoma cells affects their invasive capacities and increases the production of extracellular‐matrix degradative enzymes. These cells express aberrant levels of functional p75NTR and TrkC, the putative high‐affinity receptor for the neurotrophin NT‐3. Here we demonstrate that, by using sensitive immune‐complex kinase assays in human brain‐metastatic (70W) melanoma cells, TrkC receptors associate with a kinase activity exhibiting a dose‐dependent susceptibility to inhibition by the purine‐analogs 6‐thioguanine and 2‐aminopurine. The activity of this purine‐analog‐sensitive kinase (PASK) was induced by NT‐3 in a time‐dependent fashion, phosphorylating exogenous myelin basic protein (MBP) but not denatured enolase. It is similar to the one reported to relate with p75NTR and TrkA receptors and stimulated by the prototypic NT, nerve growth factor. Thus, PASKs may represent unique signaling components common to NT receptors that could engage joint downstream signaling effectors in brain‐metastatic melanoma.
Vertical spectrum of the C2H system. An open shell (SC)2‐CAS‐SDCI study
Authors: Pitarch‐Ruiz José , Sánchez‐Marín José , Maynau Daniel
Published: March 2003

The open shell (SC)2‐CAS‐SDCI method along with a basis set of atomic natural orbitals (ANO) has been applied for calculating the main ionization potentials of acetylene, as well as the manifold of excited states of the different symmetries up to 32 eV. In this method, the single and double excitations of a CAS space are generated and the corresponding CI matrix is corrected by means of the (SC)2 procedure that cancels the size‐extensivity error and adds some high order contributions. The mean absolute error for the outer‐valence X 2Πu(1π), A 2Σ(3σ), and B 2Σ(2σ) states, and the inner‐valence C 2Σ(2σ) state is 0.1 eV. The excited states of C2H corresponding to the Σ, Σ, Πg, Πu, Δg, and Δu symmetries are reported and their composition is discussed. The results are thoroughly compared to the best available multireference CI calculations. Recent multichannel CI results by Wells and Lucchese [J Chem Phys 1999, 110, 6365] have been used also as a guide for the discussion of the results. Discrepancies in the description of many multiconfigurational states by means of the (SC)2‐CAS‐SDCI wave function as compared to previous large MR‐CI calculations are significant and are, consequently, remarked on. A large mixing of the 3σ and 2σ processes is found in the A 2Σ and C 2Σ states, provided that the basis set is augmented with Rydberg functions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 609–617, 2003
Theoretical study concerning the reactivity of imine derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Borosky Gabriela L.
Published: March 2003

The opening reaction of N‐protonated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon imines has been computed by means of ab initio, density functional, and semiempirical methods of calculation. Imines are predicted to be more stable than the corresponding O‐protonated derivatives, epoxides and diol epoxides. On the other hand, the activated N‐methanesulfonylbenzene imine presented more favorable ΔE≠ and ΔEr for ring opening due to the effect of hydrogen‐bond interactions. Anti and syn trans‐diol benzene imines did not show a different behavior from the unsubstituted imine. According to these calculations, bay‐region, fjord‐region, and bay‐region methyl‐substituted compounds opened more easily among the imine derivatives, following the same reactivity pattern as the oxygen analogs. The exothermicity of the opening process correlated with the charge delocalization in the resulting carbocation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 601–608, 2003
High‐dimensional model representations generated from low order terms—lp‐RS‐HDMR
Authors: Li Genyuan , Artamonov Maxim , Rabitz Herschel , Wang Sheng‐wei , Georgopoulos Panos G. , Demiralp Metin
Published: March 2003

High‐dimensional model representation (HDMR) is a general set of quantitative model assessment and analysis tools for improving the efficiency of deducing high dimensional input–output system behavior. RS‐HDMR is a particular form of HDMR based on random sampling (RS) of the input variables. The component functions in an HDMR expansion are optimal choices tailored to the n‐variate function f(x) being represented over the desired domain of the n‐dimensional vector x. The high‐order terms (usually larger than second order, or equivalently beyond cooperativity between pairs of variables) in the expansion are often negligible. When it is necessary to go beyond the first and the second order RS‐HDMR, this article introduces a modified low‐order term product (lp)‐RS‐HDMR method to approximately represent the high‐order RS‐HDMR component functions as products of low‐order functions. Using this method the high‐order truncated RS‐HDMR expansions may be constructed without directly computing the original high‐order terms. The mathematical foundations of lp‐RS‐HDMR are presented along with an illustration of its utility in an atmospheric chemical kinetics model. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 5: 647–656, 2003
Perceived criticism predicts severity of anxiety symptoms after behavioral treatment in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia
Authors: Renshaw Keith D. , Chambless Dianne L. , Steketee Gail
Published: March 2003

In prospective research, psychiatric patients' perceived criticism (PC) from family members has been linked to higher rates of relapse and worse treatment outcome. Researchers have disagreed about whether PC contributes to poor treatment outcomes or whether it merely reflects the severity of a patient's disturbance. In this study, structural equation modeling was used to conduct a cross‐lagged panel analysis of the relationship between PC and anxiety symptom severity assessed before and after treatment in anxiety‐disordered patients. PC was found to be unrelated to concurrent symptom severity. Furthermore, pretreatment PC significantly predicted posttreatment symptom severity over and above the effect of pretreatment symptom severity, whereas pretreatment symptom severity failed to significantly predict posttreatment PC. Thus, these results are consistent with (although not proof of) the hypothesis that PC detracts from patients' ability to respond to treatment, and inconsistent with the hypothesis that PC is a reflection of a patient's symptom severity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 59: 411–421, 2003.
Dental neuroplasticity, neuro‐pulpal interactions, and nerve regeneration
Authors: Byers Margaret R. , Suzuki Hironobu , Maeda Takeyasu
Published: March 2003

This review covers current information about the ability of dental nerves to regenerate and the role of tooth pulp in recruitment of regenerating nerve fibers. In addition, the participation of dental nerves in pulpal injury responses and healing is discussed, especially concerning pulp regeneration and reinnervation after tooth replantation. The complex innervation of teeth is highly asymmetric and guided towards specific microenvironments along blood vessels or in the crown pulp and dentin. Pulpal products such as nerve growth factor are distributed in the same asymmetric gradients as the dentinal sensory innervation, suggesting regulation and recruitment of those nerve fibers by those specific factors. The nerve fibers have important effects on pulpal blood flow and inflammation, while their sprouting and cytochemical changes after tooth injury are in response to altered pulpal cytochemistry. Thus, their pattern and neuropeptide intensity are indicators of pulp status, while their local actions continually affect that status. When denervated teeth are injured, either by pulp exposure on the occlusal surface or by replantation, they have more pulpal necrosis than occurs for innervated teeth. However, small pulp exposures on the side of denervated crowns or larger lesions in germ‐free animals can heal well, showing the value of postoperative protection from occlusal trauma or from infection. Current ideas about dental neuroplasticity, neuro‐pulpal interactions, and nerve regeneration are related to the overall topics of tooth biomimetics and pulp/dentin regeneration. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:503–515, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling the jaw mechanism of Pleuronichthys verticalis: The morphological basis of asymmetrical jaw movements in a flatfish
Authors: Gibb Alice Coulter
Published: March 2003

Several flatfish species exhibit the unusual feature of bilateral asymmetry in prey capture kinematics. One species, Pleuronichthys verticalis, produces lateral flexion of the jaws during prey capture. This raises two questions: 1) How are asymmetrical movements generated, and 2) How could this unusual jaw mechanism have evolved? In this study, specimens were dissected to determine which cephalic structures might produce asymmetrical jaw movements, hypotheses were formulated about the specific function of these structures, physical models were built to test these hypotheses, and models were compared with prey capture kinematics to assess their accuracy. The results suggest that when the neurocranium rotates dorsally the premaxillae slide off the smooth, rounded surface of the vomer (which is angled toward the blind, or eyeless, side) and are “launched” anteriorly and laterally. The bilaterally asymmetrical trajectory of the upper jaw is determined by the orientation of the “launch pad,” the vomer. During lower jaw depression, the mandibles rotate about their articulations with the quadrate bones of the suspensoria. The quadrato‐mandibular joint is positioned farther anteriorly on the eye side than on the blind side, and this asymmetry deflects the lower jaw toward the blind side. Asymmetry in the articular surfaces of the lower jaw augments this effect. Thus, it appears that fish with intermediate forms of this asymmetrical movement could have evolved from symmetrical ancestors via a few key morphological changes. In addition, similar morphological modifications have been observed in other fish taxa that also produce jaw flexion during feeding, which suggests that there may be convergence in the basic mechanism of asymmetry. J. Morphol. 256:1–12, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of immune modulation on TT virus (TTV) and TTV‐like‐mini‐virus (TLMV) viremia
Authors: Moen Eva Merethe , Sagedal Solbjørg , Bjøro Kristian , Degré Miklos , Opstad Per Kristian , Grinde Bjørn
Published: March 2003

The present study was designed to investigate how two chronically replicating viruses, TT virus (TTV) and TTV‐like mini virus (TLMV), interact with host defence systems. Successive serum samples from three groups of subjects, undergoing modifications of their antiviral defence, were tested by real‐time PCR to measure changes in viral titers, and by sequence analyses to indicate whether increases in viremia could be attributed to infection with an unfamiliar strain: 1) in patients receiving immunosuppressants subsequent to kidney transplantation, viral titers tended to increase; 2) in soldiers undergoing extreme training known to cause immunosuppression, insignificant increases in titers were observed; and 3) interferon treatment of patients with hepatitis C virus caused a temporary decrease in TTV and TLMV titers. Increases in viremia were associated only occasionally with the appearance of novel strains. The above results add to knowledge on how these viruses are influenced by the host. J. Med. Virol. 70:177–182, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GB Virus C epidemiology in denmark: Different routes of transmission in children and low‐ and high‐risk adults
Authors: Christensen Peer B. , Fisker Niels , Mygind Lone H. , Krarup Henrik B. , Wedderkopp Niels , Varming Kim , Georgsen Jørgen
Published: March 2003

With the demonstration of an effect of GBV‐C infection on the outcome of HIV infection, it has become important to understand the epidemiology of GBV‐C. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence in high‐ and low‐risk populations. The following populations were tested: school children, 9 and 15 years of age (n = 901), blood donors (n = 5,203), hospital employees (n = 1,432), and prisoners and injecting drug users (n = 447). In‐house RT‐PCR for GBV‐CRNA was used together with a commercial ELISA for anti‐E2 (Boehringer, Germany). In addition, questionnaires for risk factors for transmission and serological tests for HIV and hepatitis were applied. The overall prevalence of GBV‐CRNA was 1.4% among children, 2.2% among blood donors, 2.2% among hospital employees, 12.5% among non‐injecting prisoners, and 34.9% among drug injectors. Correspondingly anti‐E2 was found in 0.3%, 12.3%, 25.0%, and 42.7%. Among hospital employees, independent risk factors for GBV‐C were professions with blood exposure and sexual risk partners. Among prisoners and drug users, injecting and a sexual risk index were associated independently with GBV‐C. Based on these results, the following hypothesis is suggested: GBV‐C is transmitted frequently at birth or early childhood and this leads to chronic infection in most cases. Sexual transmission is the most important route of transmission in the adult population but this infection is usually transient. Blood borne transmission plays a role among health care workers and injecting drug users and GBV‐C should be further evaluated as a surrogate marker for professional blood exposure. J. Med. Virol. 70:156–162, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of enterovirus 71 infection of human cell lines
Authors: Wen Yu‐Ye , Chang Tsuey‐Yu , Chen Shur‐Tzu , Li Ching , Liu Hsiao‐Sheng
Published: March 2003

The cell tropism of enterovirus 71 (Enteroviridae) in neuronal, glial and laryngeal cells. The 4643 strain, an enterovirus 71 isolate from a patient in Taiwan, was used to infect three human cell lines representing neuronal cells (SK‐N‐SH, neuroblastoma), glial cells (U373MG, glioblastoma), and laryngeal cells (HEp‐2, larynx epidermoid carcinoma). Immunofluorescent staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to detect mature enterovirus 71 4643 virions in these cell lines. The three cell lines were also compared for presence of virus‐mediated cytopathic effect (CPE), synthesis of infected cell‐specific proteins, viral (−) RNA, and virus replication rate. Virus particles were detected by TEM, and viral replication increased over time, indicating the existence and release of mature viruses from all three infected cell lines. The most severe CPE and the highest viral replication rate were observed in the SK‐N‐SH cells. Further screening of the infected cell lines by microarray analysis revealed that the neuron growth factor receptor (NGFR) gene was uniquely upregulated in infected SK‐N‐SH cells, implying that the receptor encoded by this gene may be involved in cell tropism. The data show that neurons are vulnerable to enterovirus 71 4643 infection and are consistent with the clinical observation that enterovirus 71 4643 targets mainly neuronal cells but is also found in many organs in conjunction with an inflammatory reaction. J. Med. Virol. 70:109–118, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design of experiments (DOE) technique for microwave/millimeter wave flip‐chip optimization
Authors: Staiculescu Daniela , Laskar Joy , Tentzeris Manos M.
Published: March 2003

We present a design of experiments (DOE) technique for microwave/millimeter wave flip‐chip characterization and optimization. Two optimization approaches, signal bump misalignment and transmission line compensation, are combined together for optimal performance for high frequency operation. First, the design of experiments method is presented and its advantages are emphasized. Then, the two techniques are combined together in a factorial experiment with the purpose of optimizing the return loss to any desired frequency. The experiment is based on test structure fabrication and measurements. The one‐factor‐at‐a‐time strategy shows that return loss performance is increased with the misalignment values and decreased with compensation for the frequency range of interest. However, the statistical analysis revealed that the optimal performance is achieved for maximum compensation, and minimum misalignment. The optimal structure is measured from 1 to 75 GHz and shows return loss better than 17 dB. The method can be extended to include more optimization factors in different analysis intervals. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered expression of CHL1 by glial cells in response to optic nerve injury and intravitreal application of fibroblast growth factor‐2
Authors: Rolf Bettina , Lang Doris , Hillenbrand Rainer , Richter Melanie , Schachner Melitta , Bartsch Udo
Published: March 2003

The close homologue of L1 (CHL1) is a member of the L1 family of cell recognition molecules. The protein is expressed by a variety of nerve cell types and subpopulations of glial cells in vivo and promotes elongation of neurites and survival of nerve cells in vitro. Here we demonstrate that glial cells up‐regulate expression of CHL1 in response to an intraorbital crush of the adult mouse optic nerve. We also demonstrate that a single intravitreal application of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) increases expression of CHL1 in retinal astrocytes and Müller cells. Elevated expression of CHL1 by glial cells in injured optic nerves and astrocytes and Müller cells in FGF‐2‐treated retinas suggests a role of the protein in the lesioned central nervous system. Results also suggest that trophic factors might exert part of their biological function by modifying expression of cell recognition molecules. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential regulation of 5′ splice variants of the glutamate transporter EAAT2 in an in vivo model of chemical hypoxia induced by 3‐nitropropionic acid
Authors: Münch Christoph , Zhu Bing‐gen , Leven Annette , Stamm Stefan , Einkörn Hermann , Schwalenstöcker Birgit , Ludolph Albert C. , Riepe Matthias W. , Meyer Thomas
Published: March 2003

Defective glutamate uptake has been implicated as a pathogenic event of neuronal damage related to cerebral ischemia and hypoxia. In several models of ischemia‐hypoxia, a reduced immunoreactivity and altered RNA expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), the major excitatory amino acid transporter, have been reported. However, the gene regulation of EAAT2 under these conditions is incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated alternative splicing of EAAT2 in an in vivo mouse model of chemical hypoxia as induced by 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP). The neurotoxin 3‐NP is an inhibitor of mitochondrial energy production. Furthermore, it is known to inhibit glutamate reuptake directly, representing at least one of the mechanisms responsible for 3‐NP‐induced neurodegeneration. Here we report an expression analysis of five known (mEAAT2/5UT1–5) and two novel (mEAAT2/5UT6, ‐7) 5′ splice variants of EAAT2 using semiquantitative PCR. The RNA expression was studied at 2, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr and 7 days after 3‐NP administration. mEAAT2/5UT4 and mEAAT2/5UT5 were up‐regulated in the frontal cortex and down‐regulated in the hippocampus 12–72 hr after chemical hypoxia. In the cerebellum, there was an increased expression of mEAAT2/5UT4 and a down‐regulation of mEAAT2/5UT5. mEAAT2/5UT3 show a different regional expression pattern, being regulated in the cerebellum only. mEAAT2/5UT1–7 encoded distinct 5′ regulatory sequences, including conserved elements of translational control. It is easily conceivable that expression alterations of 5′ splice variants of EAAT2 are related to glutamate transporter malfunction after chemical hypoxia. Our findings contribute to the hypothesis that RNA splicing events can serve as a molecular mechanism of posthypoxic gene regulation. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and properties of the recombinant murine Golli‐myelin basic protein isoform J37
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Libich David S. , Campagnoni Celia W. , Wood D. Denise , Moscarello Mario A. , Campagnoni Anthony T. , Harauz George
Published: March 2003

A recombinant form of the murine Golli‐myelin basic protein (MBP) isoform J37 (rmJ37) has been expressed in Escherichia coli and isolated to 95% purity via metal chelation and ion exchange chromatography. The protein did not aggregate lipid vesicles containing acidic phospholipids, unlike the 18.5 kDa isoform of MBP. This result is consistent with J37 having a functional role prior to the assembly of compact myelin. Circular dichroic spectroscopy showed that rmJ37 had a large proportion of random coil in aqueous solution but gained α‐helix and β‐sheet in the presence of monosialoganglioside GM1 and PI(4)P. Thus, like “classic” MBP, J37 is intrinsically unstructured, and its conformation depends on its environment and bound ligands. Analyses of the amino acid sequence of rmJ37 predicted an N‐terminal calmodulin (CaM)‐binding site. It was determined via a gel‐shift assay and fluorescence spectroscopy that rmJ37 and CaM interacted in a 1:1 ratio in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. However, the interaction was weak compared with 18.5 kDa MBP. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Waveguide Raman spectroscopy of sol–gel Gd2O3 thin films
Authors: Le Luyer C. , García‐Murillo A. , Bernstein E. , Mugnier J.
Published: March 2003

Gadolinium oxide films, prepared by the sol–gel process, present waveguiding properties. Their structures were studied by waveguide Raman spectroscopy (WRS) and confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The structural evolution of the layers with annealing temperatures from 650 up to 900°C was investigated. The WRS results and TEM observations were correlated and revealed that crystallization started at 650°C into the cubic phase. The mean diameter of the crystallites dispersed in the amorphous phase is around 5 nm at this temperature. The film is totally crystallized into the cubic phase at 700°C. The monoclinic phase simultaneously appears at 800°C and both phases still co‐exist after heat treatment at 900°C. The films present a heterogeneous structure at 900°C with grain sizes varying from 5 up to 50 nm and as consequence their waveguiding properties strongly decrease. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondrial DNA alterations in thyroid cancer
Authors: Tong Betty C. , Ha Patrick K. , Dhir Karan , Xing Mingzhao , Westra William H. , Sidransky David , Califano Joseph A.
Published: March 2003

Background

Alterations in mitochondrial DNA have been identified in a number of solid tumor types, including gastric, head and neck, breast, colorectal, lung, and bladder carcinomas. Recently, a homopolymeric C stretch (D310) located within the noncoding D‐loop of the mitochondrial genome was identified and described as a mutational hotspot. The objective of the present study was to examine a series of thyroid cancers for genetic alterations in this region.

Methods

Seventy‐two (72) thyroid cancers were examined for alterations in D310 using PCR‐based methods. The primary tumors tested included 35 papillary carcinomas, 18 medullary carcinomas, 9 anaplastic carcinomas, 9 follicular carcinomas, and 1 insular carcinoma.

Results

Alterations in D310 were observed in 2/35 papillary carcinomas (5.7%), 1/18 medullary carcinomas (5.6%), 1/9 anaplastic carcinomas (11.1%), and 1/9 follicular carcinomas (11.1%). Overall, the rate of alterations was 5/72 (6.9%).

Conclusions

Mutations in the D310 region of the D‐loop of mitochondrial DNA are found in thyroid tumors of varying histologic types and grades. This mutation rate is lower than the reported rate of alteration in tumors of epithelial origin, and shows no relationship to histologic grade. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:170–173. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Previous wide local excision of primary melanoma is not a contraindication for sentinel lymph node biopsy of the trunk and extremity
Authors: Leong Wey L. , Ghazarian Danny M. , McCready David R.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with a previous wide local excision (WLE) was examined with case‐control methodology.

Methods

A total of 168 consecutive cases of SLNB were performed in patients with truncal and extremity melanoma with tumor thickness of ≥1 mm between October 1997 and June 2000 and were followed prospectively. For comparison, 65 of the103 SLNB patients referred to us after their WLE (cases) were matched by tumor thickness to 65 patients who had SLNB with concurrent WLE (controls). Radiocolloid (technetium‐99m sulfur colloid) was used in all cases; in addition, vital blue dye (patent blue) was used in the control group. The two groups were followed for a median of 15.4 months.

Results

SLNs were identified in all patients with an average of 2.1 (cases) and 2.0 (controls) SLNs excised per patient (P = 0.77). Twenty one (32.3%) of those having SLNB after previous WLE (cases) and 23 (35.4%) of those with concurrent WLE and SLNB (controls) were found to have metastatic disease in the SLN. The only false‐negative in this group was detected in clinical follow‐up in a patient whose truncal WLE was previously closed with a rotation flap (case). There was no significant difference in relapse‐free survival (P = 0.209) and overall survival (P = 0.692) between groups.

Conclusions

SLNB is feasible in patients with previous WLE for extremity and truncal melanoma. Similar rates of sentinel positivity are found when compared with those in whom their WLE was done concurrently. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:143–146. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemically detected micrometastasis in lymph nodes from superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tanabe Tadashi , Nishimaki Tadashi , Watanabe Hidenobu , Ajioka Yoichi , Akazawa Kohei , Komukai Shintaro , Hatakeyama Katsuyoshi
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

This study was conducted to determine the incidence and clarify the patterns of nodal micrometastasis, to elucidate the histopathologic parameters of tumor extension correlating with micrometastasis, and to evaluate whether nodal micrometastasis has clinical significance in patients with superficial esophageal cancer.

Methods

Lymph nodes resected from 78 patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were examined immunohistochemically using the monoclonal antibody cocktail AE1/AE3 to define histologically undetectable micrometastasis. Clinical records and pathologic features of all cases were reviewed.

Results

Of the 78 patients, 34 had neither micro‐ nor overt disease in the lymph nodes, 12 had nodal micrometastasis only, and 32 had histologically overt metastasis. Nodal micrometastasis was found in carcinomas reaching the muscularis mucosae or deeper tissues of the esophagus. Multivariate analysis showed that intraesophageal multicentric cancer and venous invasion had significant correlation with nodal micrometastasis (P = 0.005 and 0.017, respectively). However, no clinical impact of nodal micrometastasis could be detected regarding patient outcome.

Conclusions

Nodal micrometastasis is not rare in patients with superficial esophageal cancer, but it does not appear to have clinical significance in these patients. Nodal micrometastasis correlates with intraesophageal multicentric cancer and venous invasion. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:153–159. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative expression of protein markers of plasminogen activation system in prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Seetoo Da‐Qiang , Crowe Philip J. , Russell Pamela J. , Yang Jia‐Lin
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Certain pathophysiological markers may be helpful in selecting further therapies for patients with resected colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to determine whether expression of proteins of the plasminogen activation system (PAS), which are important in tumor spread and growth, can predict outcome of human CRC.

Methods

Protein expression of the PAS, including urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), plasminogen (Plg), and plasminogen activator inhibitors‐1 and ‐2 (PAI‐1 and PAI‐2), was determined in the colonic tissue samples of 56 patients with resected primary CRC by quantitative immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome.

Results

Overexpression of uPA (t‐test, P < 0.001), uPAR (P < 0.001) and PAI‐1 (P = 0.031) was significantly associated with liver metastatic CRC tumors. Higher uPA or uPAR expression level was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS; log‐rank, P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS; P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001) after the first CRC resection. The predictive value of both uPA and uPAR in liver metastasis, OS and CSS was independent from other parameters (multivariate Cox regression: all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

uPA and uPAR may be independent predictors of liver metastasis, patient overall survival and cancer‐specific survival after resection of colorectal tumors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:184–193. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current management of melanoma: Benefits of surgical staging and adjuvant therapy
Authors: McMasters Kelly M. , Swetter Susan M.
Published: March 2003

Issues regarding appropriate management of stage I to III melanoma are addressed. Accurate surgical staging is critical to identifying patients who can benefit from therapeutic lymph node dissection and adjuvant therapy. Patients with primary tumors ≥1 mm thick are appropriate candidates for sentinel lymph node biopsy, and node‐positive patients benefit from therapeutic lymphadenectomy. Although the overall survival benefit of high‐dose interferon has been questioned, the weight of evidence supports the use of adjuvant therapy in patients with stage IIB and III disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:209–216. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Literary enthusiasts as visitors and volunteers
Authors: Smith Karen A.
Published: March 2003

Previous studies of literary tourism have investigated visitor perceptions and responses to literary heritage, concluding that literary attractions and landscapes attract both the generalist heritage visitor and a niche segment of highly motivated ‘literary pilgrims’. Volunteers are increasingly significant within the heritage sector and this paper draws on research with managers and volunteer staff at a sample of literary heritage attractions in the UK. Although the literary properties and figures play a minimal role in the motivations of volunteers, many derive significant rewards from the literary aspects of the sites. In parallel with literary pilgrims, for a core of literary enthusiast volunteers, the literary figure is the primary motivation and reward. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of low level laser therapy on wound healing and its biological action upon myofibroblasts
Authors: Medrado Alena R.A.P. , Pugliese Lívia S. , Reis Sílvia Regina A. , Andrade Zilton A.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objective

In re‐evaluating the effects of laser therapy in wound healing, the role of extracellular matrix elements and myofibroblasts, was analyzed.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Cutaneous wounds were inflicted on the back of 72 Wistar rats. Low level laser was locally applied with different energy densities. Lesions were analyzed after 24, 48, 72 hours and 5, 7, and 14 days. Tissues were studied by histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.

Results

In treated animals, the extent of edema and the number of inflammatory cells were reduced (P < 0.05), but the amount of collagen and elastic fibers appeared slightly increased. Desmin/smooth muscle alpha‐actin‐phenotype myofibroblasts were statistically more prominent on the 3rd day after surgery (P < 0.05) in treated wounds than in controls. Treatment with a dosage of 4 J/cm2 was superior to that with 8 J/cm2.

Conclusions

Laser therapy reduced the inflammatory reaction, induced increased collagen deposition and a greater proliferation of myofibroblasts in experimental cutaneous wounds. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:239–244, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.