bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunization with a cannabinoid receptor type 1 peptide results in experimental allergic meningocerebellitis in the Lewis rat: A model for cell‐mediated autoimmune neuropathology
Authors: Proescholdt Margit G. , Quigley Laura , Martin Roland , Herkenham Miles
Published: October 2002

Neuronal elements are increasingly suggested as primary targets of an autoimmune attack in certain neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1) were selected as autoimmune targets because they are predominantly expressed on neuronal surfaces in brain and display strikingly high protein levels in striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Female Lewis rats were immunized with N‐terminally acetylated peptides (50 or 400 μg per rat) of the extracellular domains of the rat CB1 and killed at various time points. Subsequent evaluation using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization showed dense infiltration of immune cells exclusively within the cerebellum, peaking 12–16 days after immunization with the CB1 peptide containing amino acids 9–25. The infiltrates clustered in meninges and perivascular locations in molecular and granular cell layers and were also scattered throughout the CB1‐rich neuropil. They consisted primarily of CD4+ and ED1+ cells, suggestive of cell‐mediated autoimmune pathology. There were no inflammatory infiltrates elsewhere in the brain or spinal cord. The results show that neuronal elements, such as neuronal cell‐surface receptors, may be recognized as antigenic targets in a cell‐mediated autoimmune attack and, therefore, support the hypothesis of cell‐mediated antineuronal autoimmune pathology in certain brain disorders. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐wavenumber lattice vibrations and dynamics of 4,4′‐dibromobenzophenone
Authors: Volovšek V. , Kirin D. , Bistričič L. , Baranović G.
Published: October 2002

The low‐wavenumber (10–200 cm−1) polarized Raman spectra of 4,4′‐dibromobenzophenone single crystal at different temperatures (10–295 K) and far‐infrared spectra (20–200 cm−1) of powdered samples at room temperature were recorded. The assignment of the lattice vibrations based on the lattice dynamics calculation at k = 0, which takes into account the seven lowest intramolecular modes, is presented. The unusual temperature behavior of some bands was explained by dephasing relaxation processes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐depth analyses by confocal Raman microspectrometry: experimental features and modeling of the refraction effects
Authors: Bruneel J. L. , Lassègues J. C. , Sourisseau C.
Published: October 2002

In‐depth confocal Raman microspectrometry (CRM) studies through a planar interface between materials of mismatched refraction indices are known to be affected by a decrease in both collected Raman intensity and axial resolution as a function of focal depth. A complete treatment of these phenomena would require diffraction and refraction effects to be taken into account. Baldwin and Batchelder have recently modeled the refraction effects by considering the influence of the dimensions of the confocal pinhole aperture on the collection efficiency. Their theoretical predictions are compared here with experimental results obtained for a standard 200 µm thick polyethylene (PE) sample. It is shown that the decrease in Raman intensity as a function of focal depth is weaker than predicted, suggesting that off‐axis refraction effects cannot be neglected. We therefore propose a simple two‐parameter relation which reproduces the observed Raman intensities down to 150–200 µm focal depths. Other in‐depth experiments on various test samples, a silicon wafer buried in Nujol oil, PE films of different thicknesses and a polycarbonate slab, were then performed in order to show how the Raman intensity decrease, the radial resolution and the axial interfacial broadening can be directly estimated as a function of the focal depth position. Also, CRM experiments were carried out on a four‐layer polymer laminate in order to find the best optical conditions. ‘Edge’ analyses remain the most efficient way to investigate polymer interfaces but, when in‐depth analyses are needed, we tried to evaluate to what extent interfacial broadenings impede the investigation of interpenetration effects at buried interfaces. It is demonstrated that the refraction effects sharpen the interfacial broadenings and the apparent axial resolution does not drastically deteriorate with increasing depth. Indeed, when focused 120 µm deep into a non‐absorbing sample, the interface is found to be broadened by a factor of only 7.5 or 3.7 using a 100× or a 50× objective lens; the axial resolution then takes a reasonable value of about 13 µm. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When is a franchise not a franchise? when it's a pub
Authors: Lashley Conrad , Rowson Bill
Published: October 2002

Recent changes in ownership and consumption patterns have brought many pub operators to follow strategies that are more concerned with a retailing orientation.

Many of the companies operating pubs are aiming to grow sales and respond quickly to changes in consumer tastes and fashions. They no longer own brewing facilities and frequently control whole estates of pubs that are marginal and where the actions, skills and motivations of local unit managers are crucial for the success or failure of the property.

The exploration of different forms of indirect control via lease arrangements is recognition of the need to provide more entrepreneurial incentives for those managing these more marginal properties. In many ways, it is possible to view pubs owned by chains operated through both tenancies and leasing as a form of franchising.

The literature and research on franchising hospitality services can help inform a study of leasehold and tenanted relationships in licensed retailing. Franchising in licensed retailing is almost wholly based on the tenanted/leased agreements.

This paper argues that in this more retailing and service quality competitive environment, pub operating companies will need to use more traditional franchising approaches than have been practised in the past.

Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive value of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase expression in tumor tissue, regarding the efficacy of postoperatively administered UFT (Tegafur + Uracil) in patients with p‐stage I nonsmall‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Nakagawa Tatsuo , Tanaka Fumihiro , Takata Tetsuya , Matsuoka Katsunari , Miyahara Ryo , Otake Yosuke , Yanagihara Kazuhiro , Fukushimab Masakazu , Wada Hiromi
Published: October 2002

Background and Objectives

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity in tumor cells has been suggested to be one of the factors determining the effectiveness of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). In the present study, we analyzed DPD expression in tumors and investigated retrospectively the relationship between the efficacy of UFT (Tegafur + Uracil) as adjuvant chemotherapy and DPD expression in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

DPD expression of 166 resected p‐stage I NSCLC was examined immunohistochemically. Patients who were administered UFT alone as adjuvant therapy comprised the UFT group (n = 54), and those who underwent only surgery comprised the control group (n = 112). DPD expression was categorized as either high or low, according to intensity of staining.

Results

DPD expression was high in 98 patients (59.0%) and low in 68 patients (41.0%). Patients with low‐DPD tumors who were administered UFT had a significantly better prognosis than those who did not receive adjuvant treatment (P = 0.021). No significant difference was found between the two groups of patients with high‐DPD tumors (P = 0.598).

Conclusions

DPD expression may predict the efficacy of UFT after surgery for p‐stage I NSCLC. A prospective study is needed to confirm the role of DPD expression as a predictor of UFT efficacy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;81:87–92. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cropping systems and bed width effects on runoff, erosion and soil properties in a rainfed Vertisol
Authors: Hulugalle N. R. , Rohde K. W. , Yule D. F.
Published: October 2002

The effects of two bed widths (1 and 2 m) and four rainfed cotton‐based cropping systems on soil properties, runoff and erosion were evaluated in a Vertisol (1 per cent slope; 21 g per 100 g sand, 12 g per 100 g silt, 67 g per 100 g clay) in subtropical central Queensland, Australia. The cropping systems were: early cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) sown between August and October; wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) sown in May, sprayed out and followed by early cotton; wheat allowed to mature, harvested and followed by late cotton sown between October and December; and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) followed by cotton. Land preparation was by minimum tillage and traffic was restricted to the furrows between the beds. Rainfall runoff and soil erosion were monitored with water‐height recorders, flumes and troughs. Soil structure was evaluated as air‐filled porosity of oven‐dried soil in the 0–0.15, 0.15–0.30, 0.30–0.45 and 0.45–0.60 m depths. Soil chemical properties measured in the 0–0.15 m depth were organic carbon, pH (in 0.01 M CaCl2), electrical conductivity (EC1:5) of a 1 : 5 soil : water suspension and exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and Na. In comparison with 1 m beds, 2 m beds resulted in lower runoff and soil erosion, lower exchangeable Na, exchangeable sodium percentage and higher EC1:5/exchangeable Na, higher rate of soil organic matter decrease and better soil structure in the 0–0.15 m depth. Runoff and erosion were reduced, and cotton lint yields increased either by cropping systems sown early to intercept most of the seasonal rainfall or by those which produced a high level of ground cover. Soil physical and chemical properties were best, and runoff and erosion lowest with 2 m beds and cropping systems producing a high level of ground cover. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An economic analysis of revegetation for dryland salinity control on the Lower Eyre Peninsula in South Australia
Authors: Hajkowicz S. , Young M. D.
Published: October 2002

Dryland salinity is a major natural resource management problem imposing large economic and environmental costs in many countries throughout the world. The major cause of dryland salinity is the replacement of perennial native vegetation with annual crops and pastures. This results in greater amounts of water entering a groundwater system, watertable rise and the concentration of naturally occurring salts near the soil surface. Many consider that the best long‐term solution is the re‐establishment of high water use perennial vegetation through production systems such as agroforestry. This paper presents a benefit–cost analysis (BCA) of revegetation to control dryland salinity over a 20‐year period in South Australia. The results of the BCA indicate that market costs are likely to exceed market benefits for broad‐scale revegetation programmes. These results are driven by hydrogeological studies, which indicate that as much as 50 per cent of a ‘problem‐type’ catchment needs to be revegetated to save only 3 per cent of land from being salt affected. The conclusion is that revegetation programmes need to be highly targeted to areas of a catchment with large potential to control salinity, land that has minimal value for other uses and regions with high infrastructure and ecological value. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preliminary study of fine changes in the duration of dynamic cooling during 755‐nm laser hair removal on pain and epidermal damage in patients with skin types III–V
Authors: Nahm Walter K. , Tsoukas Maria M. , Falanga Vincent , Carson Polly A. , Sami Naveed , Touma Dany J.
Published: October 2002

Background and Objectives

The use of the long‐pulsed 755‐nm alexandrite laser has been an effective tool in hair removal. A dynamic cooling device (DCD) is commonly used with this laser in order to minimize epidermal damage. No studies have examined how fine changes in DCD duration may affect comfort and epidermal damage during laser hair removal. This study was designed to determine what effect, changes in the duration of dynamic cooling would have on pain and epidermal damage with laser hair removal (755 nm alexandrite) in patients with darker skin types.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Ten volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V were enrolled. A 755‐nm alexandrite laser with a pulse duration of 3 milliseconds and equipped with a DCD was used with the 12 mm spot size on matched treatment sites. We compared cryogen spurt durations of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 milliseconds on pain and epidermal changes. The spray delay was set at 1 millisecond. Pain rating scales and epidermal changes (skin sloughing, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and scarring) were assessed.

Results

Overall a decrease in pain was seen with increases in spurt duration. A spurt duration of 20 milliseconds was beneficial for pain reduction in all patients. Longer spurt durations were associated with additional pain relief especially when geographic spacing of pulses was maximized to prevent thermal build‐up. In regards to epidermal protection, most patients benefited with shorter cryogen durations of 20–60 milliseconds. There was little advantage with longer spurt durations. Some patients treated at higher fluences without cooling had no detectable side effects.

Conclusions

Increasing DCD spurt duration in laser hair removal provides its strongest benefit in the area of pain reduction, particularly in type V patients. Increasing cryogen spurt durations above a protective threshold shows no significant benefit in terms of epidermal protection. Changing the spurt duration may not be as important in some patients with darker skin types. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:247–251, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High frequency of promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A and p16 and its relationship to aflatoxin B1–DNA adduct levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Jing , Ahsan Habibul , Chen Yu , Lunn Ruth M. , Wang Li‐Yu , Chen Shu‐Yuan , Lee Po‐Huang , Chen Chien‐Jen , Santella Regina M.
Published: October 2002

Epigenetic changes in gene expression due to extensive CpG island methylation is now accepted as the main cause of inactivation of the p16 gene. More recently, it has been suggested that the human ras association domain family (RASSF) 1 gene, cloned from the lung tumor‐suppressor locus 3p21.3, also may be inactivated by methylation. It consists of two major alternative transcripts, RASSF1A and RASSF1C. Epigenetic inactivation of isoform A was observed in several carcinomas and tumor cell lines. In this study, promoter hypermethylation of RASSF1A and p16 was investigated in 83 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue samples from Taiwan and in two HCC cell lines (Hep3B and HepG2). High frequencies (85% and 47%, respectively) of methylation of the CpG island promoters of RASSF1A and p16 were found in the HCC tissues. The methylation of RASSF1A also was detected in Hep3B cells but not in HepG2 cells; p16 was not methylated in either cell line. Methylation status was determined in 12 normal control liver tissues and 10 adjacent nontumor tissues. No methylation was found in normal liver control tissues for both RASSF1A and p16; methylation was detected in one of 10 and seven of 10 adjacent nontumor tissue sampless for p16 and RASSF1A, respectively, in subjects with positive tumors. These data indicate that aberrant methylation of the CpG island promoters of both genes is a frequent occurrence in hepatocarcinogenesis. The high frequency of RASSF1A methylation in adjacent tissues suggests that this may be an early event. The relationship between methylation status and clinical parameters and tumor markers, including DNA damage resulting from aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), an environmental carcinogen, and p53 status, also was analyzed. A statistically significant association was found between RASSF1A methylation status and the level of AFB1‐DNA adducts in tumor tissues. No association was found between methylation status and p53 status. These results suggest the hypothesis that exposure to environmental carcinogens may be involved in altered methylation of genes involved in cancer development. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Freezing of shoulder flexion impeding boule throwing: A form of task‐specific focal dystonia in petanque players
Authors: Lagueny Alain , Burbaud Pierre , Dubos Jean Louis , le Masson Gwendel , Guelh Dominique , Macia Frederic , Debras Corinne , Tison François
Published: October 2002

During a period of intensive practice, 2 petanque players developed freezing of shoulder flexion impeding boule throwing. This movement disorder was consistent with the diagnosis of task‐specific focal dystonia. Polymyography showed that freezing was associated with bursts of low amplitude. In the absence of motor or sensory deficits, a motor apraxia could be considered. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Choreic syndrome due to Hashimoto's encephalopathy
Authors: Taurin Gregory , Golfier Véronique , Pinel Jean‐François , Deburghgraeve Véronique , Poirier Jean‐Yves , Edan Gilles , Vérin Marc
Published: October 2002

We report on the instructive case of an elderly woman who became encephalopathic and concurrently developed chorea. Thyroid antibody studies were abnormal. She responded extremely well to oral corticosteroids. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Focal dystonia as the presenting sign in Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease
Authors: Hellmann Mark A. , Melamed Eldad
Published: October 2002

A variety of movement disorders may occur during the course of prion disease. We describe a unique patient who had focal upper limb dystonia as the presenting symptom of familial codon 200 mutation‐positive Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Ethnic differences in the expression of neurodegenerative disease: Machado‐Joseph disease in Africans and Caucasians
Authors: Subramony S.H. , Hernandez Dena , Adam Amanda , Smith‐Jefferson Stephanie , Hussey Jennifer , Gwinn‐Hardy Katrina , Lynch Timothy , McDaniel Olga , Hardy John , Farrer Matt , Singleton Andrew
Published: October 2002

We describe several families of African origin with SCA3/Machado‐Joseph disease gene expansions. In these cases, the phenotype ranges from ataxia with parkinsonian signs to a syndrome clinically almost indistinguishable from idiopathic, L‐dopa–responsive Parkinson's disease. In contrast, these parkinsonian phenotypes are rare in those of European descent. Haplotype analysis shows that these African families do not share a common founder, thus a cis‐acting element in the promoter is unlikely to be responsible these unusual presentations. We suggest that trans‐acting factors are responsible for the variable phenotype and discuss the implications of diseases showing racially different expressivities. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Variational problems in Clifford analysis
Authors: Dubinskii Julii , Reissig Michael
Published: October 2002

Using decomposition results for Sobolev spaces of Clifford‐valued functions into direct sums of subspaces of monogenic and co‐monogenic functions variational problems will be studied.These variational problems are equivalent to PD‐models by the choice of special operators of conboundary differentiation. By a Galerkin scheme we construct the monogenic part as a weak solution of a non‐linear problem. The co‐monogenic potential is the solution of a weak Dirichlet problem. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weak solutions of a phase‐field model for phase change of an alloy with thermal properties
Authors: Boldrini José Luiz , Planas Gabriela
Published: October 2002

The phase‐field method provides a mathematical description for free‐boundary problems associated to physical processes with phase transitions. It postulates the existence of a function, called the phase‐field, whose value identifies the phase at a particular point in space and time. The method is particularly suitable for cases with complex growth structures occurring during phase transitions.

The mathematical model studied in this work describes the solidification process occurring in a binary alloy with temperature‐dependent properties. It is based on a highly non‐linear degenerate parabolic system of partial differential equations with three independent variables: phase‐field, solute concentration and temperature.

Existence of weak solutions for this system is obtained via the introduction of a regularized problem, followed by the derivation of suitable estimates and the application of compactness arguments. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the electrostatic and band‐mixing effects on gain for double‐quantum‐well lasers
Authors: Weetman P. , Wartak M. S. , Kucharczyk M.
Published: October 2002

The simultaneous role of electrostatic effects and band‐mixing effects on optical modal gain in two coupled wells is analyzed within the self‐consistent solution of the Poisson and Luttinger–Kohn effective‐mass equations. The analysis is performed for a 1.3‐μm InGaAsP/InP lattice‐matched system. It shows that the electrostatic effects play a significant role in selecting the optimum barrier width and composition of the wells and barriers. The gain is actually larger when electrostatic effects are included because of better charge localization in the wells. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 35–37, 2002; DOI 10.1002/mop.10223
Wideband planar array antenna in C band for synthetic aperture radar applications
Authors: Chakrabarty S. B. , Khanna Mohit , Sharma S. B.
Published: October 2002

The design and development of a wideband dual polarized planar array antenna of 3 × 6 elements in C band is presented. The center frequency is 5.3 GHz. The single radiating element used in the array configuration is of stacked SSFIP. The antenna has been developed for beam pointing of 10° and side‐lobe level better than −15 dB by proper choice of the complex excitation coefficients. The array antenna offers a bandwidth of 20% for a VSWR ratio of 2:1. The measured S parameters and radiation patterns are presented. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 52–54, 2002; DOI 10.1002/mop.10029
Lipovitellins and phosvitins of the fertilized eggs during embryo growth in the oviparous lizard Podarcis sicula
Authors: Romano Maurizio , Rosanova Patrizia , Anteo Chiara , Limatola Ermelinda
Published: October 2002

In the lizard Podarcis sicula, the major vitellogenin (VTG)‐derived yolk proteins, lipovitellins and phosvitins, were extracted from the yolk globules of laid and fertilized eggs at different periods of incubation up to 44 days close to hatching. Embryonic development was almost over at this time. Yolk proteins were isolated by precipitation in saturated (NH4)2SO4, separated on SDS–PAGE and detected by Western blotting with homologous polyclonal anti/VTG antibody. Two lipovitellins of 110 and 116 kDa were always present in the yolk of laid eggs after 1, 10, 18, and 44 days from oviposition. Both these proteins were glycosylated and were recognized by the anti/VTG antibody; their N‐terminal sequences were analyzed. Four phosvitins were detected in freshly laid eggs, but their number decreased during incubation, and after 44 days only a single protein of ≅ 6.5 kDa was present. The results indicated that, in this lizard, during embryonic development, lipovitellins remain unchanged, whereas the phosphorylated components of yolk undergo continuous degradation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 341–348, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of spindle removal on MPF and MAP kinase activities in porcine matured oocytes
Authors: Goto Seitaro , Naito Kunihiko , Ohashi Satoshi , Sugiura Koji , Naruoka Haruna , Iwamori Naoki , Tojo Hideaki
Published: October 2002

Intracellular localization of maturation/M‐phase promoting factor (MPF) and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase in mature oocytes has been examined by immunocytochemical methods and the authors of these studies have reported that they are localized on spindles during M‐phase. Although these reports showed the relative localization of MPF and MAPK on spindles, it has never been shown whether these kinases are present in the cytoplasm and, if they are present, how many parts of the kinases are localized on the metaphase spindle. In the present study, we made quantitative analyses of MPF and MAP kinase localized on oocyte spindles by kinase assays and immunoblotting after removal of the spindles from porcine mature oocytes. First, we certified their intracellular distribution by immunocytochemical methods and observed sharp signals of cyclin B1 on spindle poles and MAP kinase signals on the microtubule of metaphase spindles. In contrast to these results by immunostaining, the amounts of MPF and MAP kinase localized on spindles examined by immunoblotting and kinase assays were undetectable and less than 20%, respectively. These results indicate that the immunocytochemical technique is a powerful method for showing relative localization, but it is not suitable for quantitative analysis, and that the removal of metaphase spindles from mature oocytes does not have a severe negative impact on the subsequent MPF and MAP kinase activity and on the cell cycle progression in early embryo development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 388–393, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maturation of the human fetal brain as observed by 1H MR spectroscopy
Authors: Kok René D. , van den Berg Paul P. , van den Bergh Adrianus J. , Nijland Roel , Heerschap Arend
Published: October 2002

Proton MRS was used to monitor cerebral metabolite tissue levels in 35 normal fetuses during development in the gestational age range of 30–41 weeks. First, MRI in three orthogonal orientations was performed. A volume of interest (VOI) (15–43 cc) of fetal brain tissue was then selected for 1H MRS. For localization, two pulse sequences (stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) at TE = 20 ms, and point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) at TE = 135 ms) were applied. The MR spectra of the brain showed signals for inositol (Ino), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and N‐acetyl (NA) compounds. From 30 to 41 weeks the absolute tissue level of NA, and the ratios of NA/Cr and NA/Cho increased, whereas the ratio of Cho/Cr decreased. These changes reflect maturation of the brain. Considering the diagnostic value of proton MRS in pediatric neurology, this new approach may also be useful for characterizing pathological conditions in the fetal brain. Magn Reson Med 48:611–616, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐order multiband encoding in the heart
Authors: Cunningham Charles H. , Wright Graham A. , Wood Michael L.
Published: October 2002

Spatial encoding with multiband selective excitation (e.g., Hadamard encoding) has been restricted to a small number of slices because the RF pulse becomes unacceptably long when more than about eight slices are encoded. In this work, techniques to shorten multiband RF pulses, and thus allow larger numbers of slices, are investigated. A method for applying the techniques while retaining the capability of adaptive slice thickness is outlined. A tradeoff between slice thickness and pulse duration is shown. Simulations and experiments with the shortened pulses confirmed that motion‐induced excitation profile blurring and phase accrual were reduced. The connection between gradient hardware limitations, slice thickness, and flow sensitivity is shown. Excitation profiles for encoding 32 contiguous slices of 1‐mm thickness were measured experimentally, and the artifact resulting from errors in timing of RF pulse relative to gradient was investigated. A multiband technique for imaging 32 contiguous 2‐mm slices, with adaptive slice thickness, was developed and demonstrated for coronary artery imaging in healthy subjects. With the ability to image high numbers of contiguous slices, using relatively short (1–2 ms) RF pulses, multiband encoding has been advanced further toward practical application. Magn Reson Med 48:689–698, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymptotical expansion in non‐Lipschitzian domains – a numerical approach
Authors: Dimitrov A. , Schnack E.
Published: October 2002

A general numerical procedure is presented for constructing the terms in asymptotical expansions near 3D corners in linear elasticity, without geometrical restrictions to Lipschitzian domains. The method is based on a weak formulation of the problem and a higher order Galerkin–Petrov approximation technique on the unit sphere. It results in a quadratic eigenvalue problem, which is solved iteratively by the Arnoldi method. An a posteriori error estimator as well as a suitable technique for adaptive mesh refinement is proposed for controlling the discretization error. Some benchmark tests show that this method is robust and very accurate. For illustrating the application to non‐Lipschitzian domains new results for the Neumann problem on a non‐Lipschitzian polyhedron are obtained for different geometrical parameters and materials. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximum norm optimization of quasi‐isometric mappings
Authors: Garanzha V. A.
Published: October 2002

A reliable method for maximum norm optimization of spatial mappings is suggested. It is applied to the problem of optimal flattening of surfaces and to precisely controlled surface morphing. Robustness and grid independence of the method are demonstrated on real‐life tests. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steroid hormone receptor in pleural solitary fibrous tumours and CD34+ progenitor stromal cells
Authors: Bongiovanni Massimo , Viberti Laura , Pecchioni Carla , Papotti Mauro , Thonhofer Renè , Hans Popper Helmut , Sapino Anna
Published: October 2002

Solitary fibrous tumours (SFT), originally described in the pleura, were subsequently recognized in numerous extrapleural sites. This suggests that a common stem cell, present in various organs and tissues, may be at the origin of SFT and that specific factors may be involved in the proliferation of such cells. Recently it has been described that steroid hormone receptors, progesterone receptors in particular, are expressed by extrapleural SFT. In addition, progesterone may participate as growth factor in many CD34+ stromal neoplasms, which express low levels of the hormone receptors. The present study analysed the expression of androgen (AR), oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors in a series of 32 pleural SFT, 10 mesotheliomas and in reactive tissue of chronic pleuritis. ER and AR were never expressed by SFT or by chronic pleuritis, whereas PR were demonstrated in 2/16 ‘large’ (>8 cm) and in 6/16 ‘small’ (≤8 cm) pleural SFT (all expressing CD34, bcl‐2 and CD99). PR+ SFT had a significantly higher proliferative activity (p = 0.04) (Ki‐67 mean value 6.5%) and lower p27kip1 (mean value 51.5%) expression than the PR− cases (Ki‐67 mean value 3.81% and p27kip1 mean value 57.86%). One of the cases expressing a high level of PR (80%) recurred 1 year after first surgery and the recurrence was PR+ as well, but with a lower percentage of nuclear receptor expression (12%). In addition, in chronically inflamed subserosal tissue, a subpopulation of CD34+ endothelial and interstitial dendritic cells was identified, which also expressed PR. These findings suggest that the CD34+ submesothelial interstitial dendritic cells, activated during reactive processes, may be the stem cells that give rise to SFT, and that progesterone might participate in the growth of SFT through modulation of its specific receptors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroticism and extraversion as predictors of negative and positive emotional information processing: comparing Eysenck's, Gray's, and Newman's theories
Authors: Gomez Rapson , Gomez Andre , Cooper Andrew
Published: October 2002

This study compared how extraversion, neuroticism, and extraversion × neuroticism are related to processing of pleasant and unpleasant emotional information as predicted by Eysenck's, Gray's, and Newman's theories. Initially, the participants' levels of extraversion (as measured by the sociability subscale) and neuroticism were assessed with Eysenck's Personality Inventory. They were then tested individually. After completing a questionnaire of current positive and negative moods, they completed three tasks measuring processing of pleasant, unpleasant, and also neutral information. The results showed that extraversion was associated positively with the processing of pleasant information, while neuroticism was associated positively with the processing of unpleasant information. These findings support predictions from Eysenck's theory. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photobase generation from amineimide derivatives and their use for curing an epoxide/thiol system
Authors: Katogi Shigeki , Yusa Masami
Published: October 2002

The structural effects of amineimide derivatives on photobase generation and the use of the resultant base for thermal curing of an epoxide/thiol system are investigated. The results of UV spectral change and gas chromatographic‐mass spectrometric analysis indicated that amineimide derivatives undergo photolysis by UV irradiation and generate bases. The order of conversion of the photolysis for the functional groups introduced to amineimide derivatives was NO2 > N(CH3)2 > CN > OCH3 > H. By using aminimide derivatives with NO2 and N(CH3)2 groups, the curing of the epoxide/thiol system was shifted to lower temperature after UV irradiation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 4045–4052, 2002
Influence of molecular architecture on fast and segmental dynamics and the glass transition in polybutadiene
Authors: Kisliuk A. , Ding Y. , Hwang J. , Lee J. S. , Annis B. K. , Foster M. D. , Sokolov A. P.
Published: October 2002

Changes in the fast dynamics of polybutadiene (PB) with molecular weight and molecular architecture have been investigated by light and neutron scattering spectroscopy. Differences observed in the fast dynamics of various molecules correlate with differences seen in the value of the glass‐transition temperature (Tg). The segmental and fast dynamics as well as the value of Tg are dependent on the total molecular weight of the molecule but independent of its architecture. In other words, the dynamics of PB depend on the number of segments in the molecule but do not show a significant dependence on how the segments are connected (molecular topology), even for arm molecular weights commensurate with the entanglement molecular weight. Literature data for the Tg's of highly branched, phenolic‐terminated dendritic poly(benzyl ethers) of various core structures exhibit the same trend. There is no explanation for why the segmental motion appears to be sensitive to the total molecular weight of the molecule but is independent of its architecture. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2431–2439, 2002
Airway obstruction in children with congenital heart disease: Assessment by flexible bronchoscopy
Authors: Lee S.L. , Cheung Y.F. , Leung M.P. , Ng Y.K. , Tsoi N.S.
Published: October 2002

We assessed the spectrum of airway disorders in children with congenital cardiac anomalies, and reviewed our experience in using flexible bronchoscopy for assessment of airway problems in this patient group. The clinical records, flexible bronchoscopic findings, and cardiac imaging results of pediatric cardiac patients who presented with either clinical or radiological signs of airway obstruction between 1992–1999 were reviewed. Flexible bronchoscopic assessment was performed with the patients under sedation and topical anesthesia, using one of two bronchoscopes, i.e., an Olympus BFN20 or Olympus BF3C20.

Of a total of 52 patients, 33 had acyanotic cardiovascular lesions, the commonest being left‐to‐right shunts (61%), while 19 had cyanotic heart lesions, with right ventricular outflow obstruction being the commonest (63%). Twenty‐seven patients had undergone either surgical or transcatheter interventions. The median age at bronchoscopic assessment was 6 months (range, 4 days to 6 years). None of the patients developed significant procedural complications. A definitive diagnosis was made in 48 (92%) patients, 8 of whom had abnormalities involving only the upper airways, 35 only the lower airways, and 5 both. Abnormalities of the upper airway included laryngomalacia (n = 6), subglottic stenosis (n = 3), pharyngeal collapse (n = 2), and 1 each of choanal stenosis and supraglottitis. Extrinsic compression was the commonest lower airway abnormality that was found in 27/40 patients (67%), with a predilection for the left main bronchus (18/27, 67%). The structures that caused extrinsic compression included dilated pulmonary arteries with or without left atrial dilation (n = 20), an anomalous aortic or pulmonary arterial course (n = 3), a dilated aorta (n = 1), and a shunt (n = 1), but were not obvious in 2 patients. Intrinsic lower airway abnormalities included bronchomalacia (n = 4), tracheal stenosis (n = 4), and one each of variant bronchial bifurcation and a pouch arising from the tracheal wall. Intraluminal mucus plugging of the lower airways occurred in the remaining 3 patients.

Children with congenital heart disease are at risk of airway obstruction both before and after surgery. Flexible bronchoscopy, being safe and effective in diagnosing airway disorders in this patient group, should be considered as the first line of investigation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:304–311. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler versus inhaled corticosteroids alone in the treatment of asthma
Authors: Tal A. , Simon G. , Vermeulen J.H. , Petru V. , Cobos N. , Everard M.L. , de Boeck K.
Published: October 2002

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy (expressed as effect on lung function) and tolerability of Symbicort® (budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler) in children with asthma.

This was a double‐blind, double‐dummy, randomized, parallel‐group, multicenter trial. After a 2–4‐week run‐in period, 286 asthmatic children (177 boys, 109 girls; mean age, 11 years; mean forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), 75% predicted normal), previously treated with inhaled corticosteroids (average dose 548 μg/day), were randomized to 12 weeks' treatment with either budesonide/formoterol 80/4.5 μg, two inhalations twice daily (n = 148), or an equivalent dose of budesonide 100 μg, two inhalations twice daily (n = 138). Efficacy variables included morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF), spirometery, asthma symptoms, and use of rescue medication (β2‐agonists). Serial FEV1 assessments were carried out on a subgroup of children (budesonide/formoterol, n = 41; budesonide, n = 40) at randomization and at week 12.

Relative to baseline, morning PEF (primary variable) increased to a significantly greater extent with budesonide/formoterol than with budesonide alone (7.22% predicted normal vs 3.45% predicted normal; P < 0.001). Evening PEF also increased significantly with budesonide/formoterol (6.13% predicted normal vs. 2.73% predicted normal; P < 0.001), as did mean FEV1 and serial FEV1 measured over 12 hr (both P < 0.05). Similar improvements in asthma symptoms and rescue medication use were observed in both groups. The two treatment groups were similar in terms of their adverse‐event profile and rates of discontinuation.

Budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler provided rapid improvements in PEF and FEV1 compared to inhaled budesonide alone. These improvements were sustained throughout the study period. Budesonide/formoterol was well‐tolerated in children with moderate persistent asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:342–350. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cor triatriatum: A cause of hemoptysis
Authors: Sritippayawan Suchada , Margetis Monique F. , MacLaughlin Eithne F. , Achermann Ruben , Wells Winfield J. , Davidson Ward Sally L.
Published: October 2002

Hemoptysis can be caused by either pulmonary or extrapulmonary causes. Congenital heart disease should be considered as a possible cause in patients who have no obvious evidence of pulmonary disease. We report on an 8‐year‐old girl who presented with recurrent hemoptysis without other cardiopulmonary signs, except for mild tachypnea and a prominent pulmonic component of the second heart sound, suggesting pulmonary hypertension. A chest X‐ray revealed pulmonary venous congestion without other parenchymal disease. An echocardiogram revealed classical cor triatriatum, with a 6‐mm orifice in the anomalous septum. Cardiac evaluation should be considered in patients with hemoptysis unexplained by pulmonary causes, even in the absence of overt cardiac symptoms. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 34:405–408. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of focal adhesion kinase in normal and pathologic human prostate tissues
Authors: Rovin Joshua D. , Frierson Henry F. , Ledinh Wayne , Parsons J. Thomas , Adams Reid B.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates multiple cellular processes including growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and apoptosis. In tumor cells, including prostate adenocarcinoma, FAK overexpression has been linked to cancer progression.

METHODS

By using immunohistochemistry, FAK expression was investigated in human prostate specimens.

RESULTS

FAK was expressed predominantly in the basal layer of normal prostate epithelium but not in secretory epithelium. FAK was expressed at similar levels in all stages of prostate tumorigenesis, including preinvasive carcinoma and metastatic disease. Elevated FAK expression was observed at the earliest stages of transformation and expression continued during cancer progression.

CONCLUSION

Given the established role for FAK in the regulation of integrin signaling, we suggest that the sustained elevated levels of FAK expression during prostate tumor cell progression is consistent with a role for FAK in the development and maintenance of prostate carcinoma. Prostate 53: 124–132, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activated transformations of organophosphorus insecticides in the case of non‐AChE inhibitory oxons
Authors: Kasagami Takeo , Miyamoto Toru , Yamamoto Izuru
Published: October 2002

Many organophosphorus (OP) compounds are of the thiono form and in insects or animals are converted by microsomal mixed function oxidases (MFO) into the oxon forms which inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and give toxic activity. However, certain S‐alkyl phosphorothiolates (RS‐P(O)<) such as methamidophos, profenophos and prothiophos oxon are strongly insecticidal, but very poor inhibitors of AChE in vitro. Their oxons are converted further to the S‐oxides, which either inhibit AChE or decompose, depending on the alkyl substituents on the sulfur atom. It is also inferred in the case of prothiophos oxon that its S‐oxide not only inhibits AChE but also conjugates with glutathione (GSH) by the action of glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and the conjugate inhibits AChE. Certain phosphoramidates (R2N‐P(O)<) such as isofenphos oxon, schradan and propetamphos oxon are weak AChE inhibitors, but strongly insecticidal. It is well known that isofenphos oxon is converted into the stable N‐desalkyl form (H2N—P(O)<) by oxidative dealkylation to inhibit AChE. The authors have studied activation of phosphoramidates using 2,4‐dichlorophenyl methyl N‐alkylphosphoramidates as model compounds using various approaches including computational chemistry, and these studies indicated that the O‐aminophosphate structure (R2N—O—P(O)<) is an activated form.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Cardiovascular effects of Urtica dioica L. in isolated rat heart and aorta
Authors: Legssyer Abdelkhaleq , Ziyyat Abderrahim , Mekhfi Hassane , Bnouham Mohamed , Tahri Abdelhafid , Serhrouchni Mohamed , Hoerter Jacqueline , Fischmeister Rodolphe
Published: October 2002

Urtica dioica L. or Nettle (Urticaceae) is widely used in oriental Morocco to treat hypertension. Aqueous extract of Nettle (AEN) also exerts a hypotensive action in the rat in vivo. The aim of this work was to characterize the specific cardiac and vascular effects of AEN. In the isolated Langendorff perfused rat heart, AEN (1 and 2 g/l) markedly decreased heart rate and increased left ventricular pressure. Higher concentration (5 g/l) even led to cardiac arrest. Although carbachol mimicked the bradycardiac effect of AEN, atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist, 1 µM) did not modify the response. Beside its action on myocardium, AEN also affected vascular contractility. Indeed, AEN (0.1–5 g/l) produced a dose‐dependent increase in basal tone of isolated rat aorta. This effect was endothelium independent and was abolished by 1 µM prazosin (an α1‐adrenergic antagonist). AEN had little additional effects when the aorta was precontracted by noradrenaline (1 µM) or KCl (40 mM). Our data indicate that AEN produces a vasoconstriction of the aorta which is due to activation of α1‐adrenergic receptors. However, AEN also induces a strong bradycardia through non‐cholinergic and non‐adrenergic pathways which might compensate for its vascular effect and account for the hypotensive action of Urtica dioica L described in vivo. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidiarrhoeal activity of seed extract of Albizzia lebbeck Benth.
Authors: Besra S. E. , Gomes A. , Chaudhury L. , Vedasiromoni J. R. , Ganguly D. K.
Published: October 2002

The antidiarrhoeal activity of the seed extract of Albizzia lebbeck (Benth.) was investigated employing conventional rodent models of diarrhoea, i.e. castor oil‐induced diarrhoea, upper gastrointestinal transit (u.g.t.) and fluid secretion. It was found that the aqueous methanol extract of Albizzia lebbeck seeds (2.5–5 mg/kg i.p.) possessed antidiarrhoeal activity which strengthens the earlier use of the seeds in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. The antidiarrhoeal dose of the extract was at least 10–30 times less than the LD50 dose. The extract (2.5–5 mg/kg i.p.) potentiated the antidiarrhoeal activity of loperamide (1 mg/kg i.p.). Nalaxone (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) significantly inhibited the antidiarrhoeal activity of the extract as well as loperamide, thus indicating a role of the opioid system in the antidiarrhoeal activity of the extract. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of selected plant extracts for in vitro inhibitory activity on Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Bedoya L. M. , Palomino S. Sanchez , Abad M. J. , Bermejo P. , Alcami J.
Published: October 2002

As part of our screening of anti‐AIDS agents from natural sources, extracts of 15 medicinal plants widely used in the folk medicines of North America and Europe were evaluated in vitro. Most of the extracts tested were relatively nontoxic to human lymphocytic MT‐2 cells, but only the extracts of Hysopp officinalis and Dittrichia viscosa exhibited anti‐HIV activity in an in vitro MTT assay. The 50% hydroalcohol extract of Hysopp officinalis and the aqueous extract of Dittrichia viscosa showed inhibitory effects against HIV‐1 induced infections in MT‐2 cells at concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 μg/mL and 25 to 400 μg/mL, respectively. Both extracts showed no appreciable cytotoxicity at these concentrations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.