bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food: An Unrecognized Source of Loop Diuretic Resistance
Authors: Bard Robert L. , Bleske Barry E. , Nicklas John M.
Published: June 2004

Food significantly affects the pharmacokinetics of oral loop diuretics in healthy individuals, but studies have not been performed in patients with edema. Because of this omission, food's effect on pharmacokinetics has been overlooked and may decrease the pharmacodynamic response in patients who rely on diuretics. Despite this potential interaction, reference manuals do not provide warnings about the effects of food on loop diuretic absorption. We reviewed the published human studies investigating the effects of food on loop diuretics. Peak plasma concentrations and urinary recovery were significantly decreased when taken with food, but only one study showed a corresponding decrease in total urine output, which is likely related to the diuretic threshold effect. These healthy subjects probably were always above the diuretic threshold under both fed and fasting conditions and thus could not augment their urine output. Based on these data in healthy subjects, the special implications for patients who routinely take diuretics are discussed. Therefore, food is more likely to have a clinical effect on the diuretic threshold given its effect in healthy subjects and the special considerations for patients with edema. Additional studies are needed to help answer these questions. Until such data are available, the most conservative, effective clinical approach is to administer oral loop diuretics without food.
A locus for nonspecific X‐linked mental retardation mapped to a 22.3 cM region of Xp11.3‐q22.3
Authors: Zhang Xiyu , Liu Qiji , Chen Bingxi , Guo Chenhong , Li Jiangxia , Gao Guimin , Guo Yishou , Gong Yaoqin
Published: June 2004

By using several microsatellite markers scattered along the X chromosome, we studied a Chinese family with nonspecific X‐linked mental retardation (MRX84) to search for a region including the MRX84 locus that was linked to the markers. Two‐point linkage analysis demonstrated linkage between the disorder and several markers located at Xq22.2, with maximum LOD score Zmax = 2.41 at recombination fraction θ = 0 for DXS1191 and DXS1230, respectively. Recombination events were observed with flanking markers DXS8080 and DXS456, located at Xp11.3 and Xq22.3, respectively, and a region of approximately 22.3 cM was defined. Accordingly, markers distal to Xp11.3 and Xq22.3 segregated independently of the disease. The localized region observed in this Chinese family overlaps with 29 other MRX loci previously reported in Xp11.3‐q22.3. These results should contribute to the identification of the disease gene for the MRX84 disorder. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subtelomere FISH in 50 children with mental retardation and minor anomalies, identified by a checklist, detects 10 rearrangements including a de novo balanced translocation of chromosomes 17p13.3 and 20q13.33
Authors: Walter Sabine , Sandig Klaus , Hinkel Georg K. , Mitulla Beate , Ounap Katrin , Sims Giles , Sitska Mari , Utermann Barbara , Viertel Petra , Kalscheuer Vera , Bartsch Oliver
Published: June 2004

Submicroscopic or subtle aneusomies at the chromosome ends, typically diagnosed by subtelomere fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), are a significant cause of idiopathic mental retardation (MR). Some 20 subtelomere studies, including more than 2,500 subjects, have been reported. The studies are not directly comparable because different techniques and patient ascertainment criteria were used, but an analysis of 14 studies showed that aberrations were detected in 97 out of 1,718 patients (5.8%, range 2–29%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.60–6.84%). We performed a subtelomere FISH study of 50 unrelated children ascertained by a checklist that evaluates MR or developmental delay, dysmorphism, growth defect, and abnormal pedigree and found 10 bona fide causal rearrangements (detection rate 20%, 95% CI 10–33.7%). The findings included five unbalanced familial translocations or inversions, two unbalanced de novo translocations, and two de novo deletions. Patient 5 showed multiple anomalies (large head, vision defect, omphalocele, heart defect, enlarged kidneys, moderate MR, speech defect, mild transient homocysteinemia) and a de novo balanced translocation of chromosomes 17p13.3 and 20q13.33. The report of a subtelomeric balanced rearrangement associated with a disease phenotype is a novel one. FISH mapping using panels of overlapping BAC clones identified a number of candidate genes at or near his breakpoints, including ASPA, TRPV3, TRPV1, and CTNS at 17p13.3, and three genes of unknown function at 20q13.33. Only the homocysteinemia could be speculatively linked to one of these genes (CTNS, the gene for cystinosis). Three within the subset of 16 children (18.8%) with mild (IQ, 50–69) or unspecified degree of MR tested positive, suggesting that the checklist approach could be especially useful within this group of patients. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutation frequencies for glycogen storage disease Ia in the Ashkenazi Jewish population
Authors: Ekstein Josef , Rubin Berish Y. , Anderson Sylvia L. , Weinstein David A. , Bach Gideon , Abeliovich Dvorah , Webb Michael , Risch Neil
Published: June 2004

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa) is a severe autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the enzyme D‐glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase). While numerous mutations have been found in cosmopolitan European populations, Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) patients appear to primarily carry the R83C mutation, but possibly also the Q347X mutation found generally in Caucasians. To determine the frequency for both these mutations in the AJ population, we tested 20,719 AJ subjects for the R83C mutation and 4,290 subjects for the Q347X mutation. We also evaluated the mutation status of 30 AJ GSDIa affected subjects. From the carrier screening, we found 290 subjects with R83C, for a carrier frequency for this mutation of 1.4%. This carrier frequency translates into a predicted disease prevalence of 1 in 20,000, five times higher than for the general Caucasian population, confirming a founder effect and elevated frequency of GSDIa in the AJ population. We observed no carriers of the Q347X mutation. Among the 30 GSDIa affected AJ subjects, all were homozygous for R83C. These results indicate that R83C is the only prevalent mutation for GSDIa in the Ashkenazi population. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital idiopathic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction and hydrocephalus with stenosis of the aqueduct of sylvius
Authors: Bott L. , Boute O. , Mention K. , Vinchon M. , Boman F. , Gottrand F.
Published: June 2004

We present the first report of an association between hydrocephalus with stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius (HSAS) and a specific form of congenital idiopathic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIIP) in an infant. Diagnosis of HSAS was suspected during the neonatal period because of a severely dilated ventricular system associated with bilateral adducted thumbs, and was confirmed by demonstration of a mutation in the gene encoding L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM). L1CAM mutations cause a variable clinical spectrum. This gene is located at Xq28 and encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration. Hirschprung disease has been reported to involve an L1CAM mutation that manifests as a quantitative defect in the migration of neural crest cells in distal segments of the gut. We report an association that suggests that alterations of L1CAM may cause another type of intestinal pseudo‐obstruction distension with a qualitative defect in differentiated Cajal's cells in the anterior part of the gut. This observation suggests that L1CAM has a role in the developmental regulation of multiple systems. Further clinical descriptions of gastroenterological and neuropathological data are required to extend our understanding of the mechanisms underlying L1CAM functions. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study on poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polypropylene microfibrillar composites. II. Solid‐state drawing behavior
Authors: Lin X. D. , Jia D. , Leung F. K. P. , Cheung W. L.
Published: June 2004

A (20/80) blend of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polypropylene (PET/PP) was solid‐state drawn to enhance the molecular orientation of the PET microfibers. Effects of drawing temperature (23–140°C) and drawing speed (max. 1000 mm/min) on the morphology and draw ratio of the blend were studied and discussed based on the drawing behaviors of the pure polymers. In cold drawing, there seemed to be a critical drawing speed below which the natural draw ratios of the polymers remained constant, but above which the draw ratios first decreased slightly because of suppression of molecular relaxation and then increased because of breakage of highly strained molecules and disintegration of lamellar crystals into finer mosaic blocks. Macroscopically, the pure PP and the PET/PP composite extrudates gave similar draw ratios at the same speeds. SEM showed that the PET microfibers suffered a smaller elongation than the PP matrix and severe voiding occurred at the PET/PP interface. Furthermore, substantial fiber breakage occurred during cold drawing at speeds above 200 mm/min. In comparison, drawing at 100°C caused no obvious interfacial voiding and fiber breakage. Furthermore, the natural draw ratio of the blend was lower than that of the pure PP extrudate, indicating that the PET microfibers had constrained the deformation of the PP matrix. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1989–2000, 2004
Chitin characterization by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and 13C cross polarization/mass angle spinning NMR
Authors: Cárdenas Galo , Cabrera Gustavo , Taboada Edelio , Miranda S. Patricia
Published: June 2004

The full characterization of chitin obtained from squid, shrimp, prawn, lobsters, and king crab is reported. Elemental analysis, including metals such as Ca, Mg, Zn, Cd, Hg, Cr, Mn, Cu, and Pb, was performed, which is quite relevant because the skeleton composition is slightly different for each species. The morphology was studied by means of TEM and their compositions were determined by energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. 13C cross polarization/magic angle spinning NMR was applied to determine the chemical shift of all the carbons and the difference between them. Chitin was isolated by using chemical methods, alternating hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. The α‐chitin from shrimp, prawn, lobsters, and king crabs showed two signals at 73.7 and 75.6 ppm. Meanwhile, the β‐chitin from squid exhibited one signal at 75.2 ppm. FTIR studies were used to analyze α‐chitin from shrimp and β‐chitin from squid. The α‐chitin exhibited amide I vibration modes at 1660 and 1627 cm−1, whereas the β‐chitin showed one band at 1656 cm−1. X‐ray diffraction showed that α‐chitin is orthorhombic (a = 4.74 Å, b = 18.86 Å, and c = 10.32 Å) and β‐chitin had a monoclinic dihydrated form (a = 4.80 Å, b = 10.40 Å, c = 11.10 Å, and β = 97°). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1876–1885, 2004
Degree of conversion of a copolymer of an experimental monomer and methyl methacrylate for dental applications
Authors: Viljanen Eeva K. , Skrifvars Mikael , Vallittu Pekka K.
Published: June 2004

The aim of this study was to determine the degree of double bond conversion of the copolymer of an experimental monomer and methyl methacrylate after photopolymerization. A mixture of an experimental monomer with four methacrylate groups and methyl methacrylate monomer (mass ratio 70 : 30) was polymerized by using various concentrations of light initiator system. The degree of conversion was determined with FTIR spectrometry. A photopolymerized 2,2‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloxypropoxy)‐ phenyl]propane/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (mass ratio 40 : 60) copolymer was used as a control material for degree of conversion. The maximum degree of conversion for the experimental monomer/methyl methacrylate copolymer was 62% and was obtained with 2 wt % initiator concentration. It was comparable to that of the control polymer (64%). The results of this study suggest that the experimental monomer/methyl methacrylate system can be polymerized by light initiator system. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1908–1912, 2004
Microindentation studies at the near surface of glassy polymers: Influence of molecular weight
Authors: Baltá Calleja F. J. , Flores A. , Michler G. H.
Published: June 2004

The viscoelastic‐plastic properties of various amorphous, glassy polymers [polystyrene (PS), poly(styrene‐acrylonitrile) copolymer (SAN), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polycarbonate (PC)] in the micron and submicron range were investigated by means of load‐displacement analysis from depth‐sensing experiments. Hardness and Young's modulus values decrease rapidly with increasing depth up to a few microns. New data on the glass transition temperature correlation with microhardness are presented. The influence of annealing below the glass transition temperature upon the microhardness for various glassy polymers is pointed out. For PS, the influence of the molecular weight variation and molecular weight distribution on the microhardness is reported. Results are discussed on the basis of an entanglement network model, recently developed to explain the fine structure of crazes in amorphous polymers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1951–1956, 2004
Kinetics of the thermal decomposition of green alga Ulva by thermogravimetry
Authors: Carrasco F. , Pagès P.
Published: June 2004

In this article, we present the findings of our study into the thermal decomposition of the alga Ulva, which can cause serious problems due to its proliferation in certain seas. Its use as a human foodstuff or other similar applications is limited; however, it could be used as a filling or reinforcement material in the manufacture of composite materials. Since the production processes of such materials usually require heating, the thermal stability of this polymeric material needs to be known, and this is the objective of this work. For this reason, we have studied the thermal decomposition in an air atmosphere using thermogravimetry (TG). On the one hand, we evaluated the thermal stability temperatures of the seaweed; and on the other, we determined the kinetic parameters of the alga's two main decomposition reactions, using an n‐order integral kinetic model. It was, therefore, necessary to calculate the best order of reaction. Finally, we determined a series of characteristic temperatures related to the beginning and the end of each of the thermal decomposition reactions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1913–1922, 2004
Overcoming focusing failures in competitive environments
Authors: Idson Lorraine Chen , Chugh Dolly , Bereby‐Meyer Yoella , Moran Simone , Grosskopf Brit , Bazerman Max
Published: June 2004

This paper attacks one of the chief limitations of the field of behavioral decision research—the past inability to use this literature to improve decision making. Building on the work of Thompson, Gentner, Loewenstein and colleagues (Loewenstein, Thompson, & Gentner, 1999; Thompson, Gentner, & Loewenstein, 2000; Gentner & Markman, 1997), the current paper finds that it is possible to reduce bias in one of the most robust problems in the decision literature, the Acquiring a Company Problem (Samuelson & Bazerman, 1985). Past research has shown that individuals make suboptimal offers as a result of the failure to think about the decisions of others and to incorporate a clear understanding of the rules of the game. In the current study, we find that by allowing study participants to see and understand differences in seemingly unrelated decision problems—versions of the Monty Hall Game (Nalebuff, 1987; Friedman, 1998) and Multiparty Ultimatum Game (Messick, Moore, & Bazerman, 1997; Tor & Bazerman, 2003)—study participants can learn to focus more accurately on the decisions of other parties and the rules of the game, the keys to solving the Acquiring a Company Problem. This research offers a new piece of evidence that comparative and analogical processes may be a successful direction for improving decision making. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence coverage and argument skills: cognitive factors in a juror's verdict choice
Authors: Weinstock Michael P. , Flaton Robin A.
Published: June 2004

Juror reasoning and verdict choice have been explored variously as functions of argument skill and the overall story representation of the evidence on which verdict choices are based. This study investigates the proportion of testimony covered in the justification of a verdict choice and its relationship with argument skill, narrative explanation or evidence‐based argument, and certainty about verdict choice. Each of these variables was also compared with the verdict choice. People serving jury duty justified verdict choices in two abridged jury trials. Individuals were consistent in the relative amount of evidence used in both trials. Argument skills, evidence evaluation type, and evidence synthesis type all accounted for variance in the amount of evidence covered. Evidence coverage, along with argument skills, predicted verdict choice. As expected, those most certain about verdict choice did not use the most evidence. Implications regarding mediating factors in story construction and juror decision making are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is learned from experience in a probabilistic environment?
Authors: Edgell Stephen E. , Harbison J. Isaiah , Neace William P. , Nahinsky Irwin D. , Lajoie A. Scott
Published: June 2004

Three experiments explored what is learned from experience in a probabilistic environment. The task was a simulated medical decision‐making task with each patient having one of two test results and one of two diseases. The test result was highly predictive of the disease for all participants. The base rate of the test result was varied between participants to produce different inverse conditional probabilities of the test result given the disease across conditions. Participants trained using feedback to predict a patient's disease from a test result showed the classic confusion of the inverse error, substituting the forward conditional probability for the inverse conditional probability when tested on it. Additional training on the base rate of the test result did little to improve performance. Training on the joint probabilities, however, produced good performance on either conditional probability. The pattern of results demonstrated that experience with the environment is not always sufficient for good performance. That natural sampling leads to good performance was not supported. Further, because participants not trained on joint probabilities did, however, know them but still committed the confusion of the inverse error, the hypothesis that having joint probabilities would facilitate performance was not supported. The pattern of results supported the conclusion that people learn all the necessary information from experience in a probabilistic environment, but depending upon what the experience was, it may interfere with their ability to recall to memory the appropriate sample set necessary for estimating or using the inverse conditional probability. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the α‐helix to coil transition in polypeptides using network rigidity: Predicting heat and cold denaturation in mixed solvent conditions
Authors: Jacobs Donald J. , Wood Gregory G.
Published: June 2004

Thermodynamic stability in polypeptides is described using a novel Distance Constraint Model (DCM). Here, microscopic interactions are represented as constraints. A topological arrangement of constraints define a mechanical framework. Each constraint in the framework is associated with an enthalpic and entropic contribution. All accessible topological arrangements of distance constraints form an ensemble of mechanical frameworks, each representing a microstate of the polypeptide. A partition function is calculated exactly using a transfer matrix approach, where in many respects the DCM is similar to the Lifson–Roig model. The crucial difference is that the effect of network rigidity is explicitly calculated for each mechanical framework in the ensemble. Network rigidity is a mechanical interaction that provides a mechanism for long‐range molecular cooperativity and enables a proper treatment of the nonadditivity of a microscopic free energy decomposition. Accounting for (1) helix ↔ coil conformation changes along the backbone similar to the Lifson–Roig model, (2) i to i + 4 hydrogen‐bond formation ↔ breaking similar to the Zimm–Bragg model, and (3) structured ↔ unstructured solvent interaction (hydration effects), a six‐parameter DCM describes normal and inverted helix–coil transitions in polypeptides. Under suitable mixed solvent conditions heat and cold denaturation is predicted. Model parameters are fitted to experimental data showing different degrees of cold denaturation in monomeric polypeptides in aqueous hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) solution at various HFIP concentrations. By assuming a linear HFIP concentration dependence (up to 6% by mole fraction) on model parameters, all essential experimentally observed features are captured. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
D-dimer testing in patients with suspected acute thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery
Authors: Acosta S , Nilsson T K , Björck M
Published: June 2004

Background

There is no accurate non-invasive method available for the diagnosis of acute thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic properties of the fibrinolytic marker D-dimer.

Methods

From September 2000 to April 2003 consecutive patients aged over 50 years admitted to hospital with acute abdominal pain were studied. Patients with possible acute SMA occlusion at presentation had blood samples taken within 24 h of the onset of the pain for analysis of D-dimer, plasma fibrinogen, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and antithrombin. The value of D-dimer testing to diagnose SMA occlusion was assessed by means of likelihood ratios.

Results

Nine of 101 patients included had acute SMA occlusion. The median D-dimer concentration was 1·6 (range 0·4–5·6) mg/l, which was higher than that in 25 patients with inflammatory disease (P = 0·007) or in 14 patients with intestinal obstruction (P = 0·005). The combination of a D-dimer level greater than 1·5 mg/l, atrial fibrillation and female sex resulted in a likelihood ratio for acute SMA occlusion of 17·5, whereas no patient with a D-dimer concentration of 0·3 mg/l or less had acute SMA occlusion.

Conclusion

D-dimer testing may be useful for the exclusion of patients with suspected acute SMA occlusion.
Synthesis, Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Series of Novel Isophthalate‐Bridged Manganese(II) Polymers with Double‐Layer or Double‐Chain Structures
Authors: Ma Chengbing , Chen Changneng , Liu Qiutian , Chen Feng , Liao Daizheng , Li Licun , Sun Licheng
Published: June 2004

Four isophthalate‐bridged manganese(II) coordination polymers, [Mn4(ip)4(H2O)2(Him)4]n (1), [Mn(ip)(Him)2]n (2), [Mn(ip)(dpe)]n·0.5ndpe·nH2O (3) and [Mn2(ip)2(bpy)2]n (4) [ip = isophthalate, Him = imidazole, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine and dpe = (E)‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethene], have been rationally synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure determinations and magnetic studies. Both 1 and 3 are two‐dimensional (2D) double‐layer polymers. In 1, novel Mn4 entities are linked by ip ligands, while 3 is made of [Mn(ip)]n parallel double chains cross‐linked by the μ‐dpe ligands. Both 2 and 4 are one‐dimensional (1D) double‐chain polymers, where 2 is composed of [Mn(ip)]n parallel double chains capped by the Him ligands, while 4 is made of [Mn2(ip)2]n helical double chains capped by the chelating bpy ligands. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed weak antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the adjacent MnII ions of the four coordination polymers. The data of 2−4 were fitted to the homonuclear alternating chain model to give magnetic coupling parameters of J1 = −0.71(4) to −1.01(3) cm−1 and J2 = −0.02(2) to −0.46(2) cm−1. In the case of 1, the fitting of magnetic data considering only the interactions within the Mn4 moiety led to J = −2.17(1) cm−1 and zJ′ = −0.01(5) cm−1, using a combination of a dimeric model and a mean molecular field approximation model. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
New Porous Lanthanide‐Organic Frameworks: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Lanthanide 2,6‐Naphthalenedicarboxylates
Authors: Zheng Xiangjun , Sun Changyan , Lu Shaozhe , Liao Fuhui , Gao Song , Jin Linpei
Published: June 2004

Three porous, 3‐D coordination polymers [Pr4(NDC)6(H2O)6]·2H2O (1), [Eu4(NDC)6(H2O)5]·3H2O (2) and [Yb2(NDC)3(H2O)]·H2O (3) based on lanthanide 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylates (NDC) were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of lanthanide chlorides with NDC and their properties were investigated. Polymers 1, 2 and 3 differ in the coordination environment of the LnIII ions. Their 3‐D networks are reminiscent of the shape of a compressed honeycomb, showing 1‐D open channels. The guest water molecules and coordinating water molecules are enclathrated in the channels. The photophysical properties of the Eu3+ complex were investigated by high‐resolution luminescence spectroscopy. The results indicate that there are four EuIII ion sites in complex 2, which is in accordance with the results of the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Thermogravimetric and variable‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction analyses show that the porous frameworks of this series of complexes are relatively stable. The framework remained even when the guest molecules were lost and did not collapse until the temperature reached 430 °C. The magnetic properties of 2 were also investigated. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes, chromosome aberrations, and lung cancer
Authors: Harms Carsten , Salama Salama A. , Sierra‐Torres Carlos H. , Cajas‐Salazar Nohelia , Au William W.
Published: June 2004

We have previously investigated the role of polymorphic chemical metabolizing genes in the susceptibility to the development of lung cancer using 110 primary lung cancer patients and 119 matched smoker controls [Cajas‐Salazar et al. [2003] Cancer Genet Cytogenet 145:97–102; Cajas‐Salazar et al. [2003] Int J Hyg Environ Health 206:473–483]. Together with data from the present study on DNA repair genes, we did not observe significant associations between any single variant genotype for several DNA‐repair and chemical‐metabolizing genes (XPD [or ERCC2], XRCC1, XRCC3, GSTM1, GSTT1, MPO, and mEH [or EPHX1]) and lung cancer. In the present study, we have further evaluated a nested group of 79 patients and 69 matched controls, and observed that increased chromosome aberrations (CAs) were associated with variant DNA‐repair genotypes among both the patient and the control groups, with a significant increase for individuals having the XPD Lys/Gln + Gln/Gln genotypes (P = 0.046). Patients often had significantly increased CAs compared with controls with the same DNA‐repair genotype and with similar cigarette smoking habits (≤40 pack‐years or >40 pack‐years). Analyses of interactions between the DNA‐repair and chemical‐metabolizing genes indicated that the most significant interactions were between the repair genotypes and the GSTM1/T1 null genotypes. Significant increases in CA from the interactions were often observed among patients with ≤40 pack‐years, but not among those with >40 pack‐years. Since some variant DNA‐repair genotypes have functional deficits for DNA repair [Au et al. [2003] Environ Health Persp 111:1843–1850], the association between variant DNA‐repair genotypes and increased CAs suggests a risk mechanism for the development of lung cancer, with the DNA‐repair genotypes interacting with variant chemical metabolizing genotypes to further increase the risk. The observation that patients had significantly increased CA frequencies compared with controls, irrespective of genotype, suggests that patients have additional factors that contribute to the development of lung cancer. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 44:74–82, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urinary protein fraction in healthy subjects using cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis followed by colloidal silver staining
Authors: Machii Ryoko , Kubota Ryo , Hiratsuka Nobuo , Sugimoto Kayo , Masudo Rie , Kurihara Yuriko , Kobayashi Shizuko , Shiba Kiyoko
Published: June 2004

We previously reported a rapid and highly sensitive colloidal silver staining solution suitable for the cellulose acetate membrane. This method was useful for detecting even very small amounts of urinary protein. In the present study, we examined urinary protein fractions in healthy subjects, using cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis (CAE) with a highly sensitive colloidal silver staining, in an attempt to determine the clinical relevance of urinary protein fractions. Sixty unconcentrated spot urine specimens were analyzed by CAE and calculated by densitometry. All of the samples were separated into five fractions by CAE. The mean±1 SD of the percentage of five fractions was 28.37±8.51 in albumin, 4.30±4.19 in α1‐globulin, 14.41±6.14 in α2‐globulin, 19.45±7.10 in β‐globulin, and 33.46±8.24 in γ‐globulin. The albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was 0.41±0.17. These six items and the concentrations of total protein, albumin, and β‐N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG) did not significantly differ between males and females. NAG is the marker of tubulointerstitial nephropathy. The results suggest that there are no gender‐dependent differences in the urinary protein fractions of healthy subjects. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 18:231–236, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stability of fat‐soluble and water‐soluble vitamins in artificially prepared, vitamin‐enriched, lyophilized serum
Authors: Ihara Hiroshi , Hashizume Naotaka , Matsubayashi Tadashi , Futaki Koichi , Yoshida Masayuki , Sagawa Naotoshi , Fujisaki Makoto , Mita Kazuo , Kadota Akira
Published: June 2004

Vitamin‐enriched, lyophilized serum (VES) was prepared for an inter‐laboratory study to compare vitamin assays. The VES contained water‐soluble vitamins (vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and folate), fat‐soluble vitamins (vitamin A and vitamin E), and cholesterol. We performed stability studies and determined vitamin concentrations and total cholesterol in VES stored at −20°C for 12 months. Our recovery of the water‐soluble vitamins in reconstituted VES was 70–142%, but we recovered only 33–45% of the fat‐soluble vitamins. Physicochemical properties, such as specific gravity and viscosity of the reconstituted VES did not affect manual or automated measurements of these vitamins. Vial‐to‐vial differences found for the VES were the same as the within‐day analytical variations. There was no evidence of degradation of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folate, and cholesterol over 12 months in VES stored at −20°C. Following deproteinization, vitamin C concentration was found to be lower than when not deproteinated. Vitamin E was less stable in VES, however, and the degradation during 12 months was lower than the between‐day analytical variation of the assay. Our VES is the first preparation of lyophilized control serum that contains water‐soluble and fat‐soluble vitamins. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 18:240–246, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectrophotometric determination of leukocytes in urine
Authors: Imren‐Eryilmaz Eda , Kuzu‐Karsilayan Huriye , Ogan Ayse
Published: June 2004

A spectrophotometric method based on myeloperoxidase activity for the determination of leukocytes in urine is described. Red cells that may be found in urine samples were lysed by an ammonium chloride method. Leukocytes were then sedimented by centrifugation and lysed using Triton X‐100 (Sigma Chemicals Co., St. Louis, MO). Myeloperoxidase‐catalyzed oxidation of o‐dianisidine was carried out at 37°C, pH 7. The reaction was stopped with the addition of 2 M H2SO4, and a stable form of oxidized o‐dianisidine in acidic solution was obtained. Solid particles that may be found in urine samples were removed by centrifugation to avoid turbidity, and absorbance values of the supernatants were recorded at 400 nm. An Average number of leukocytes were noted per number of fields by microscopic examination and were related with the absorbance values of the supernatants at 400 nm. Pearson correlation (r) between our presented spectrophotometric analysis results and visual microscopic analysis was 0.877. Roche Combur 10‐test M strips (Roche, Mannheim, Germany) and Multistix 10 SG Bayer test strips (Bayer Diagnostics, UK) were 0.645 and 0.648, respectively (P<0.0001). J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 18:251–254, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response of the GABAergic and dopaminergic mesostriatal projections to the lesion of the contralateral dopaminergic mesostriatal pathway in the rat
Authors: González‐Hernández Tomás , Barroso‐Chinea Pedro , Rodríguez Manuel
Published: June 2004

Although dopamine is the main neurotransmitter in the mesostriatal system, recent studies indicate the existence of two nigrostriatal GABAergic projections: one arising from neurons immunoreactive for GABA, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67), and parvalbumin (PV) lying in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (nigrostriatal GABA cells) and the other arising from a subpopulation of dopaminergic neurons lying in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area, which under normal conditions, contains mRNA for GAD65 (one of the two isoforms of glutamic acid decarboxylase), but which is not immunoreactive for GABA and GAD65 (nigrostriatal dopaminergic [DA]/GABA cells). With the aim of improving our knowledge about the interaction between the nigrostriatal system of both brain hemispheres, we have studied the response of these three components of the mesostriatal system (GABA, DA/GABA, and DA) to the lesion of the contralateral mesostriatal DA pathway, by using morphological and neurophysiological techniques. Our findings show that, in the side contralateral to the lesion, (1) the number of nigrostriatal GABA cells increases from 6% to 17% with respect to the total number of nigrostriatal cells, (2) the soma of DA/GABA cells becomes immunoreactive for GABA and GAD65, and (3) there is an increase in the firing rate and burst activity of DA‐neurons, except in those projecting to the striatum, which may be under the action of the GABA hyperactivity. Taken together, our results suggest that the GABAergic components of the mesostriatal projection play a regulatory role on the DA component, activated or upregulated after contralateral DA lesion and are probably addressed to restoring the functional symmetry in basal ganglia and to slowing down the contralateral progression of DA‐cell degeneration in Parkinson's disease. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Switching from ergot to nonergot dopamine agonists in Parkinson's disease: A clinical series and five‐drug dose conversion table
Authors: Grosset Katherine , Needleman Fiona , Macphee Graeme , Grosset Donald
Published: June 2004

Of 99 patients on ergot‐derived dopamine agonists informed about possible long‐term side effects, switching to a nonergot was undertaken in 88 (89%). There were adverse events in 26%. After 11 months, 82% were on their switch agonist and 93% were on any agonist. Switching dopamine agonists is feasible in this population. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Occupational therapy in multiple system atrophy: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jain Shilpa , Dawson Jill , Quinn Niall P. , Playford E. Diane
Published: June 2004

There is some evidence that rehabilitation therapies may be useful in progressive neurological conditions, but this usefulness has not been studied in multiple system atrophy (MSA) to date. The aim of this small pilot study was to identify the feasibility of a larger randomized controlled trial of occupational therapy and to report preliminary data on the impact of occupational therapy on disability, mood, and health‐related quality of life in patients with MSA. Patient groups were comparable for age, gender distribution, type of MSA, and severity. The active occupational therapy intervention group experienced a significant reduction of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (total score and Activities of Daily Living [ADL] section), and PDQ‐39 scores (total scores and ADL subsection). An occupational therapy program may improve functional abilities in patients with mild to moderate MSA. A larger multicenter study is needed. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Presence of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 gene mutation in a patient with apparently sporadic Parkinson's disease: Clinical implications
Authors: Shan Din‐E , Liu Ren‐Shyan , Sun Chen‐Ming , Lee Shwn‐Jen , Liao Kwong‐Kum , Soong Bing‐Wen
Published: June 2004

Among 242 patients with apparently sporadic Parkinson's disease, a 70‐year‐old man with a CAG repeat number of 37 in the SCA2 gene was identified. He has remained responsive to levodopa 14 years after onset and has had no overt signs suggesting cerebellar dysfunction. Although it is not possible to confirm if this patient has a de novo mutation of the SCA2 gene, this genetic defect seems to be contributing to his parkinsonian features and further supports the concept that apparently sporadic, late‐onset, levodopa‐responsive Parkinson's disease may have multiple causes. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Artificial boundary conditions for Petrovsky systems of second order in exterior domains and in other domains of conical type
Authors: Nazarov Sergueı A. , Specovius‐Neugebauer Maria
Published: June 2004

The approximation of solutions to boundary value problems on unbounded domains by those on bounded domains is one of the main applications for artificial boundary conditions. Based on asymptotic analysis, here a new method is presented to construct local artificial boundary conditions for a very general class of elliptic problems where the main asymptotic term is not known explicitly. Existence and uniqueness of approximating solutions are proved together with asymptotically precise error estimates. One class of important examples includes boundary value problems for anisotropic elasticity and piezoelectricity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oseen coupling method for the exterior flow. Part II: Well‐posedness analysis
Authors: He Yinnian , Li Kaitai , Liu Kam‐Moon
Published: June 2004

In this paper, we recall the Oseen coupling method for solving the exterior unsteady Navier–Stokes equations with the non‐homogeneous boundary conditions. Moreover, we derive the coupling variational formulation of the Oseen coupling problem by using of the integral representations of the solution of the Oseen equations at an infinity domain. Finally, we provide some properties of the integral operators over the artificial boundary and the well‐posedness of the coupling variational formulation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On error estimator and p‐adaptivity in the generalized finite element method
Authors: Barros F. B. , Proença S. P. B. , de Barcellos C. S.
Published: June 2004

This paper addresses the issue of a p‐adaptive version of the generalized finite element method (GFEM). The technique adopted here is the equilibrated element residual method, but presented under the GFEM approach, i.e., by taking into account the typical nodal enrichment scheme of the method. Such scheme consists of multiplying the partition of unity functions by a set of enrichment functions. These functions, in the case of the element residual method are monomials, and can be used to build the polynomial space, one degree higher than the one of the solution, in which the error functions is approximated. Global and local measures are defined and used as error estimator and indicators, respectively. The error indicators, calculated on the element patches that surrounds each node, are used to control a refinement procedure. Numerical examples in plane elasticity are presented, outlining in particular the effectivity index of the error estimator proposed. Finally, the ‐adaptive procedure is described and its good performance is illustrated by the last numerical example. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of need for closure on creativity in small group interactions
Authors: Chirumbolo Antonio , Livi Stefano , Mannetti Lucia , Pierro Antonio , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: June 2004

Three experiments investigated the consequences of the epistemic motivation toward closure on the emergence of creative interactions in small groups. In the first study, need for closure was manipulated via time pressure. Results showed that in groups under high need for closure (i.e. under time pressure) the percentage of creative acts during group discussion was reduced. The second study replicated this result using an individual differences operationalization of the need for closure. In the third study, groups composed of individuals high (versus low) in need for closure performed less creatively, and exhibited less ideational fluidity during group interaction. Moreover, it was demonstrated that conformity pressure mediates the negative relationship between dispositional need for closure and group creativity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do childhood memories colour social judgements of today? The case of repressors
Authors: Myers Lynn B. , Derakshan Nazanin
Published: June 2004

Previous research has shown that individuals who possess a repressive coping style have significantly poorer recall of negative childhood memories and also exhibit more comparative optimism for negative events than nonrepressors. The current study investigated whether there is a relationship between recall of childhood memories and comparative optimism. Repressors (REP, low trait anxiety–high defensiveness, N = 20) were compared with specific nonrepressor groups on trait anxiety and defensiveness: low anxious (LA, N = 16), high anxious (HA, N = 16) defensive high anxious (DHA, N = 13), and a non‐extreme group (NE, N = 15) chosen from an initial pool of 163 female participants. For REP compared with all non‐REP, age of earliest negative memory recalled was significantly older and REP recalled significantly fewer negative childhood memories. For REP only there was a significant correlation between number of negative memories recalled and comparative optimism, with high comparative optimism correlated with a low number of negative childhood memories recalled. There were no other significant correlations with comparative optimism, overall, or for any of the sub‐groups. These results indicate a link between childhood and adult measures of social judgements for REP only. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altruistic personality in the context of the empathy–altruism hypothesis
Authors: Bierhoff Hans‐Werner , Rohmann Elke
Published: June 2004

In this study the influence of the altruistic personality in general and social responsibility in particular on prosocial behaviour were investigated in the context of the empathy–altruism hypothesis. In an experiment 56 female participants had an opportunity to help a person in distress. In this setting, ease of escape without helping was manipulated. In addition, on the basis of their self‐reports of situation‐specific emotions, participants were divided into an empathic‐concern and a personal‐distress group. The results of the 2 (ease of escape) × 2 (predominant emotional response) design were in agreement with the empathy–altruism hypothesis. Further results indicated that in the easy‐escape condition an altruistic motivation prevailed, whereas in the difficult‐escape condition an egoistic motivation was more dominant. Besides the full scale, two subscales of social responsibility were formed: Moral Fulfilment of the Justified Expectations of Others and Adherence to Social Prescriptions. The full social responsibility scale was significantly related to helpfulness only in the difficult‐escape condition. Further analyses including the subscales showed that the component Moral Fulfilment of the Justified Expectations of Others correlated positively with helping in the easy‐escape condition. Results were interpreted as showing that specific profiles of personality variables are associated with helpfulness in the easy‐escape and difficult‐escape conditions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constant‐pH molecular dynamics using continuous titration coordinates
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Salsbury Freddie R. , Brooks Charles L.
Published: June 2004

In this work, we explore the question of whether pKa calculations based on a microscopic description of the protein and a macroscopic description of the solvent can be implemented to examine conformationally dependent proton shifts in proteins. To this end, we introduce a new method for performing constant‐pH molecular dynamics (PHMD) simulations utilizing the generalized Born implicit solvent model. This approach employs an extended Hamiltonian in which continuous titration coordinates propagate simultaneously with the atomic motions of the system. The values adopted by these coordinates are modulated by potentials of mean force of isolated titratable model groups and the pH to control the proton occupation at particular sites in the polypeptide. Our results for four different proteins yield an absolute average error of ∼1.6 pK units, and point to the role that thermally driven relaxation of the protein environment in the vicinity of titrating groups plays in modulating the local pKa, thereby influencing the observed pK1/2 values. While the accuracy of our method is not yet equivalent to methods that obtain pK1/2 values through the ad hoc scaling of electrostatics, the present approach and constant pH methods in general provide a useful framework for studying pH‐dependent phenomena. Further work to improve our model to approach quantitative agreement with experiment is outlined. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.