bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A missense polymorphism (S205L) of the low‐affinity neurotrophin receptor p75NTR gene is associated with depressive disorder and attempted suicide
Authors: Kunugi Hiroshi , Hashimoto Ryota , Yoshida Mariko , Tatsumi Masahiko , Kamijima Kunitoshi
Published: May 2004

Several lines of evidence have implicated that neurotrophins play an important role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. This study examined whether a common missense polymorphism (S205L) of a gene encoding the p75NTR, the low‐affinity receptor for neurotrophins, is associated with depressive disorder in a Japanese sample of 164 patients and the same number of controls matched for age and sex. There were significant differences in the genotype distribution and allele frequency between the cases and controls. The minor allele (L205) was significantly decreased in the patients than in the controls (P < 0.05, odds ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.31–0.94), suggesting that this allele may have a protective effect against the development of major depression. Furthermore, this association was more strongly observed in the patients with a history of attempted suicide than those without such a history. Our results suggest that the S205L polymorphism of the p75NTR gene is involved in the pathogenesis of depressive disorder and suicidal behavior. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Die Belluš‐Claisen‐Umlagerung
Authors: Gonda Jozef
Published: May 2004

Unter den Reaktionen, die zum Aufbau neuer C‐C‐Bindungen zur Verfügung stehen, ist die Claisen‐Umlagerung eine der leistungsfähigsten, elegantesten und am besten charakterisierten Methoden. Als neue Variante trat vor einem Vierteljahrhundert die Belluš‐Claisen‐Umlagerung auf: Die Reaktionen von Allylethern, ‐thioethern oder ‐aminen mit Ketenen führen über die sigmatrope [3,3]‐Umlagerung einer zwitterionischen Zwischenstufe zu E‐konfigurierten ungesättigten Estern, Thioestern oder Amiden. Cyclische Allylverbindungen reagieren unter Ringerweiterung um vier Kohlenstoffatome in einem Schritt zu ungesättigten E‐konfigurierten Lactonen, Thiolactonen oder Lactamen mit mittlerer Ringgröße. Dieser Kurzaufsatz befasst sich mit der Anwendungsbreite und den optimalen Reaktionsbedingungen der Belluš‐Claisen‐Umlagerung.
Blends of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/natural rubber‐g‐(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate) for improved impact resistance of PVC
Authors: Arayapranee W. , Prasassarakich P. , Rempel G. L.
Published: May 2004

To improve the mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), the possibility of combining PVC with elastomers was considered. Modification of natural rubber (NR) by graft copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (St) was carried out by emulsion polymerization by using redox initiator to provide an impact modifier for PVC. The impact resistance, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of St and MMA grafted NR [NR‐g‐(St‐co‐MMA)]/PVC (graft copolymer product contents of 5, 10, and 15%) blends were investigated as a function of the amount of graft copolymer product. It was found that the impact strength of blends was increased with an increase of the graft copolymer product content. DMA studies showed that NR‐g‐(St‐co‐MMA) has partial compatibility with PVC. SEM confirmed a shift from brittle failure to ductility with an increase graft copolymer content in the blends. The mechanical properties showed that NR‐g‐(St‐co‐MMA) interacts well with PVC and can also be used as an impact modifier for PVC. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1666–1672, 2004
Modeling of ultrasonic processing
Authors: Roylance Margaret , Player John , Zukas Walter , Roylance David
Published: May 2004

Curing of fiber‐reinforced thermoset polymer composites requires an elevated temperature to accelerate the crosslinking reaction and also hydrostatic pressure to consolidate the part and suppress the formation of voids. These processing conditions can be provided by autoclaves of appropriate size, but these are expensive and sometimes difficult to schedule. Ultrasonic debulking followed by oven cure is an attractive alternative to autoclave cure. In this technique a movable “horn” driven at ultrasonic frequency is applied to the surface of the uncured part. This generates pressure and at the same time produces heating by viscoelastic dissipation. The part can be debulked to net shape and staged through the action of the ultrasound. There are a large enough number of experimental parameters in ultrasonic debulking and staging to make purely empirical process optimization difficult, and this paper outlines numerical simulation methods useful in understanding and developing the process. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1609–1615, 2004
Preparation and electrorheological characteristics of β‐cyclodextrin–epichlorohydrin–starch polymer suspensions
Authors: Gao Ziwei , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: May 2004

Three environment friendly β‐cyclodextrin polymer electrorheological (ER) particles (NS‐β‐CDP, WSS‐β‐CDP, and CLS‐β‐CDP) were synthesized by copolymerization through a mixture of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and epichlorohydrin in the absence of starch or in the presence of water‐soluble and water‐insoluble starch, respectively. The electrorheological properties of suspensions in silicone oil were then investigated under direct current (dc) electric fields. It was found that the yield stress of the typical WSS‐β‐CDP ER fluid was 6.2 kPa in 4 kV/mm, which is 35% higher than that of NS‐β‐CDP and similar to that of CLS‐β‐CDP. In the meantime, it can display a high ER performance even over a range of 65–95°C. The structures of these polymers were characterized by FT‐IR and Raman spectrometry, respectively. The results demonstrated that all of these polymers keep the original structural character of β‐CD and the copolymerizations between starch and β‐CD indeed occur. Furthermore, it was found that there was some relationship between the characteristic strength of polymers and their dielectric properties. Hence, the improvement of copolymer dielectric properties resulted in the enhancement of ER effects. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1681–1686, 2004
Biaxially self‐reinforced high‐density polyethylene prepared by dynamic packing injection molding. II. Microstructure investigation
Authors: Lei Jun , Jiang Chaodong , Shen Kaizhi
Published: May 2004

Differential scanning calorimetry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and transmission electron microscope are employed to study the microstructure of biaxially self‐reinforced high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) prepared in uniaxial oscillating stress field by dynamic packing injection molding. The results indicate that the biaxial self‐reinforcement of HDPE is mainly due to the existence of interlocking shish‐kebab morphology (i.e., zip fastener structure), along with the orientation of lamellae and molecular chains and the enhanced crystallinity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1591–1596, 2004
Spot signatures of a solar‐type dynamo in close binary stars
Authors: Holzwarth V.
Published: May 2004

Magnetic activity signatures in the atmosphere of active stars can be used to place constrains on the underlying processes of flux transport and dynamo operation in its convective envelope. The ‘solar paradigm’ for magnetic activity suggests that the magnetic field is amplified and stored at the base of the convection zone. Once a critical field strength is exceeded, perturbations initiate the onset of instabilities and the growth of magnetic flux loops, which rise through the convection zone, emerge at the stellar surface, and eventually lead to the formation of starspots and active regions. In close binaries, the proximity of the companion star breaks the rotational symmetry. Although the magnitude of tidal distortions is rather small, non‐linear MHD simulations have nevertheless shown in the case of main‐sequence binary components that they can cause non‐uniform surface distributions of flux tube eruptions. The present work extends the investigation to post‐mainsequence components to explore the specific influence of the stellar structure on the surface pattern of erupting flux tubes. In contrast to the case of main‐sequence components, where the consistency between simulation results and observations supports the presumption of a solar‐like dynamo mechanism, the numerical results here do not recover the starspot properties frequently observed on evolved binary components. This aspect points out an insufficiency of the applied flux tube model and leads to the conclusion that additional flux transport and possibly amplification mechanisms have to be taken into account. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Astrophysical supplements to the ASCC‐2.5. I. Radial velocity data
Authors: Kharchenko N.V. , Piskunov A.E. , Scholz R.‐D.
Published: May 2004

We present a catalogue of radial velocities of Galactic stars with high precision astrometric data CRVAD which is the result of the cross‐identification of star lists from the General Catalog of Average Radial Velocities (GCRV) and from the homogeneous All‐sky Compiled Catalogue of 2.5Million Stars (ASCC‐2.5). The CRVAD includes accurate J2000 equatorial coordinates, proper motions and trigonometric parallaxes in the Hipparcos system, Johnson's BV photometric data, spectral types, multiplicity and variability flags from the ASCC‐2.5, and radial velocities, stellar magnitudes and spectral types from the GCRV for 34553 ASCC‐2.5 stars. The CRVAD was used for the construction of a sample of standard stars with accurate astrometric, photometric and radial velocity data for the RAVE project. A second application of the CRVAD , the radial velocity determination for 292 open clusters (including 97 with previously unknown radial velocities), using their newly defined members from proper motions and photometry in the ASCC‐2.5, is briefly described. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Continuous tooth replacement: the possible involvement of epithelial stem cells
Authors: Huysseune Ann , Thesleff Irma
Published: May 2004

Epithelial stem cells have been identified in integumental structures such as hairs and continuously growing teeth of various rodents, and in the gut. Here we propose the involvement of epithelial stem cells in the continuous tooth replacement that characterizes non‐mammalian vertebrates, as exemplified by the zebrafish. Arguments are based on morphological observations of tooth renewal in the zebrafish and on the similarities between molecular control of hair and tooth formation. Dissection of the molecular cascades underlying the regulation of the epithelial stem cell niche might open perspectives for new regenerative treatment strategies in clinical dentistry. BioEssays 26:665–671, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioengineering nitrogen acquisition in rice: can novel initiatives in rice genomics and physiology contribute to global food security?
Authors: Britto Dev T. , Kronzucker Herbert J.
Published: May 2004

Rice is the most important crop species on earth, providing staple food for 70% of the world's human population. Over the past four decades, successes in classical breeding, fertilization, pest control, irrigation and expansion of arable land have massively increased global rice production, enabling crop scientists and farmers to stave off anticipated famines. If current projections for human population growth are correct, however, present rice yields will be insufficient within a few years. Rice yields will have to increase by an estimated 60% in the next 30 years, or global food security will be in danger. The classical methods of previous green revolutions alone will probably not be able to meet this challenge, without being coupled to recombinant DNA technology. Here, we focus on the promise of these modern technologies in the area of nitrogen acquisition in rice, recognizing that nitrogen deficiency compromises the realization of rice yield potential in the field more than any other single factor. We summarize rice‐specific advances in four key areas of research: (1) nitrogen fixation, (2) primary nitrogen acquisition, (3) manipulations of internal nitrogen metabolism, and (4) interactions between nitrogen and photosynthesis. We develop a model for future plant breeding possibilities, pointing out the importance of coming to terms with the complex interactions among the physiological components under manipulation, in the context of ensuring proper targeting of intellectual and financial resources in this crucial area of research. BioEssays 26:683–692, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The ends of a continuum: genetic and temperature‐dependent sex determination in reptiles
Authors: Sarre Stephen D. , Georges Arthur , Quinn Alex
Published: May 2004

Two prevailing paradigms explain the diversity of sex‐determining modes in reptiles. Many researchers, particularly those who study reptiles, consider genetic and environmental sex‐determining mechanisms to be fundamentally different, and that one can be demonstrated experimentally to the exclusion of the other. Other researchers, principally those who take a broader taxonomic perspective, argue that no clear boundaries exist between them. Indeed, we argue that genetic and environmental sex determination in reptiles should be seen as a continuum of states represented by species whose sex is determined primarily by genotype, species where genetic and environmental mechanisms coexist and interact in lesser or greater measure to bring about sex phenotypes, and species where sex is determined primarily by environment. To do otherwise limits the scope of investigations into the transition between the two and reduces opportunities to use studies of reptiles to advance understanding of vertebrate sex determination generally. BioEssays 26:639–645, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ALIX‐ing phospholipids with endosome biogenesis
Authors: Dikic Ivan
Published: May 2004

Endosomes, which comprise a diverse population of membrane vesicles and tubules, sort proteins and lipids to various cellular destinations. The organization and functions of these pleiomorphic cellular organelles have been extensively studied. Matsuo et al.1 now provide new exciting evidence on the role of lysobiphosphatidic acid (LBPA), a resident phospholipid of internal vesicles of the late endosome, in the control of membrane invagination and endosome biogenesis. In vivo, LBPA functions are controlled by the adaptor protein Alix and depend on pH gradients along the endosomal compartments. BioEssays 26:604–607, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of childhood on disabled professionals
Authors: Shah Sonali , Arnold John , Travers Cheryl
Published: May 2004

The impact of childhood on success in adulthood has been much researched. This paper discusses how parental expectations, social class, childhood experiences and gender influenced the career success of disabled people. For respondents with congenital disabilities, disability was perceived as a primary factor influencing parental expectations, but those with acquired disabilities felt it was gender. Social class played a significant part in all respondents' childhood socialisation and parental expectations. Some experienced deprivation and trauma as children, encouraging them to master future life events. The findings highlight the importance of childhood socialisation to the career success of disabled people.
Children and young people requiring home assisted ventilation in the South of England: incidence, receipt of care support and components of the care package
Authors: While Alison E. , Cockett Andrea M. , Lewis Samantha
Published: May 2004

The study found an increasing number of ventilator dependent children and young people living at home. Almost three quarters of the sample had a physical disability as a result of or in addition to their primary diagnosis. There was wide variation in the amount of paid care supporting these families which appeared unrelated to the level of ventilatory dependence. Nurses working in community children's teams or hospital outreach teams were the most frequent care organisers and care managers. The majority of the care packages were funded by Health Authorities.
Children's perceptions of their disabled siblings: ‘she's different but it's normal for us’
Authors: Stalker Kirsten , Connors Clare
Published: May 2004

This paper reports on a two‐year study exploring children's understandings of disability. It focuses on findings from interviews conducted with 24 children, aged 6 to 19, who had disabled siblings, exploring their perceptions of impairment, disability and difference. Most were very aware of their sibling's impairment but the majority did not see that as making their siblings different. Where difference was perceived, this was sometimes attributed to their siblings' experience of disability—unequal treatment and the hostile attitudes of others. Most children saw their disabled sibling as holding various identities and their shared biographies, as members of the same family, may have taken precedence over any perceived differences.
Being responsible and responsible beings: children's understanding of responsibility
Authors: Such Elizabeth , Walker Robert
Published: May 2004

Responsibility is a key concept in policy and public debate about the lives of children and families. On the one hand, parents are assumed to take responsibility for children's well‐being; on the other, children and young people are blamed and frequently punished for “irresponsible” or anti‐social behaviour. The article deconstructs the concept of responsibility from children's perspectives. Data are taken from a pilot study of 29 children aged nine and 10 in the East Midlands, England. In‐depth interviews revealed that children assume a series of responsibilities in the home and that these are understood as an inevitable and “normal” part of daily life. Children also described the basis of “being responsible” as underscored by two core values (honesty and fairness) and indicated that responsibility was a crucial part of their moral worlds. These moral understandings were, however, malleable. They were particularly mediated by the child‐parent relationship and were constantly being negotiated and renegotiated in the home.
Psychologic distress after disclosure of genetic test results regarding hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Murakami Yoshie , Okamura Hitoshi , Sugano Kokichi , Yoshida Teruhiko , Kazuma Keiko , Akechi Tatsuo , Uchitomi Yosuke
Published: May 2004

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, there have been few studies of the psychologic distress after disclosure of genetic test results for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC). The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence rates and predictors of psychologic distress and to evaluate the feelings of guilt after disclosure of the test results in Japanese probands and unaffected relatives.

METHODS

Probands and unaffected relatives were interviewed immediately after the first genetic counseling session for HNPCC and again 1 month after disclosure of the genetic test results. The prevalence of major and minor depression, acute stress disorder (ASD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edition revised (DSM‐III‐R) or the DSM‐IV; feelings of guilt were investigated using a numeric scale and a semistructured interview.

RESULTS

Among 47 participants who completed the baseline interview, 42 participants (89%) completed the 1‐month follow‐up interview. Although none of the participants met the criteria for major depression, ASD, or PTSD at the follow‐up interview, 3 of 42 participants (7%) met the criteria for minor depression and 2 participants (5%) had PTSS. The only predictor of psychologic distress found was the presence of a history of major or minor depression (odds ratio, 19.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.42–264.95; P < 0.05). Five of 42 participants (12%) had feelings of guilt.

CONCLUSIONS

Disclosure of genetic test results for HNPCC may not cause significant psychologic distress in Japanese probands or relatives. However, healthcare providers should not neglect to assess these individuals for psychologic responses, such as minor depression and PTSS. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Accounting for the cost of occupational accidents
Authors: Rikhardsson Pall M.
Published: May 2004

Occupational accidents are a substantial expense to society and individual companies. This loss of value could be avoided by preventing occupational accidents from happening. When focusing on accident prevention, an extra incentive for managers could be to illustrate the actual financial consequences for the company. This, however, presents some challenges due to the current set‐up of many management accounting systems. The paper explores these issues in the context of the Systematic Accident Cost Analysis (SACA) project, which was carried out during 2001 by The Aarhus School of Business and PricewaterhouseCoopers Denmark with financial support from The Danish National Working Environment Authority. It focused on developing and testing a method for the evaluation of the occupational costs and how this might be linked to management accounting and control systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Managing the interface between suppliers and organizations for environmental responsibility – an exploration of current practices in the UK
Authors: Holt Diane
Published: May 2004

This paper examines the supplier management activities undertaken by a sample of 149 UK based organizations, with particular focus on the role of supplier assessment and supplier coaching, education or mentoring. This study identifies that larger, higher risk organizations are beginning to reach out to their suppliers, primarily through assessment and evaluation, and to a lesser extent through supplier education, mentoring or coaching. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Project PASCALEA – public and stakeholder consultation in developing high‐profile corporate environmental strategy
Authors: Collins Linda , Usher Sam
Published: May 2004

This paper looks at corporate social responsibility in the context of public and stakeholder dialogue and engagement. It demonstrates how this can contribute to the development of a long‐term environmental management strategy. It shows how government, stakeholder and economic pressure can encourage companies to positively engage their stakeholders.

Using an example from the nuclear industry the paper describes how the importance of engaging in stakeholder dialogue and consultation has been recognized and how this can contribute to more positive stakeholder relationships.

In 2002, AWE plc commissioned a major independent public and stakeholder consultation exercise (Project PASCALEA). Environmental Consultants from NNC Ltd. were commissioned to manage and execute the project, together with recognized consultation specialists from the IEPPP, Lancaster University. The case study gives an insight into the consultation methodology adopted and evaluates how the outcomes from the project contributed towards the successful delivery of AWE's corporate environmental management goals. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The effect of a herbal medicine (Mao‐to) for the prevention of interferon‐induced psychiatric complications in chronic hepatitis C: a pilot study
Authors: Kainuma Mosaburo , Hikiami Hiroaki , Nozaki Kazuya , Hayashi Katsumi , Shimada Yutaka , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: May 2004

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a herbal medicine (Mao‐to) on psychiatric complications caused by IFN, and to examine the relationship between depression and microcirculation.

Methods

Twelve patients with chronic hepatitis C and a past history of IFN‐induced depression were enrolled in this study. Their mental state was evaluated by the self‐rating depression scale (SDS)≧40, or M‐R of the Cornell medical index (CMI)≧10. Each patient received a daily dose of 6 million units of IFN‐β for 8 weeks, and Mao‐to was given orally four times a day during the IFN‐β course.

Results

All patients in this study completed a full course of IFN. Mean CMI scores (M‐R) had significantly decreased at the end of the treatment. Mean erythrocyte aggregability and erythrocyte deformability had also significantly decreased at the end of treatment.

Conclusion

Mao‐to might be useful for preventing the incidence of depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C being treated with IFN. The mechanism by which Mao‐to prevents depression is suggested to be through the improvement of microcirculation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing water amongst competing uses: the Usangu wetland in Tanzania
Authors: Franks Tom , Lankford Bruce , Mdemu Makarius
Published: May 2004

Demand for water in the Usangu Basin is driven by a number of competing uses. These include domestic supplies, irrigated agriculture, livestock, fishing, maintenance of the Usangu wetland, a National Park and major hydroelectric system downstream. As a result of a number of driving forces including the growing population, the water resources of the basin are becoming increasingly stressed, and downstream flows have now reduced to zero during the dry season. The paper is based on recent work to study to situation and work with local stakeholders to develop a sustainable management plan for the basin.

Irrigated rice is by far the biggest user of water in the basin. The paper traces the successful development of irrigation there since the 1950s, based both on state‐managed mechanised farms and on smallholder production. However, the expansion of irrigation has been a major factor in the change in water availability downstream, particularly as the cropping calendar expands into the dry season, when river flows are at their lowest.

A number of initiatives are under way to try to reduce the impact of irrigation on the basin's water resources. These include projects to increase irrigation efficiency in smallholder systems, and improvements to water management institutions and processes. The aim is to restore dry season flows for downstream users by the year 2010. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New 2D graphical representation of DNA sequences
Authors: Liao Bo , Wang Tian‐Ming
Published: May 2004

We consider a 2D graphical representations of DNA sequences, which avoids loss of information associated with crossing and overlapping of the corresponding curve. We outline an approach, which is based on the construction of a three‐component vector whose components are the normalized leading eigenvalues of the L/L matrices associated with DNA. The examination of similarities/dissimilarities among the coding sequences of the first exon of β‐globin gene of different species illustrates the utility of the approach. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 1364–1368, 2004
Detoxification of sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate with ion‐exchange resins for xylitol production by calcium alginate‐entrapped cells
Authors: de Carvalho Walter , Canilha Larissa , Mussatto Solange I , Dragone Giuliano , Morales Martha LV , Solenzal Ana Irene N
Published: May 2004

This study describes the performance of four different resins, in sequence, to detoxify sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate and to improve xylitol production by calcium alginate‐entrapped Candida guilliermondii FTI20037 cells under conditions of low oxygen concentration. The treatment resulted in a removal of 82.1% furfural, 66.5% hydroxymethylfurfural, 61.9% phenolic compounds derived from lignin degradation, 100% chromium, 46.1% zinc, 28.5% iron, 14.7% sodium and 3.5% nickel. On the other hand, the removal of acetic acid was not significant. A xylitol yield factor (YP/S) of 0.62 g g−1 and a volumetric productivity (Qp) of 0.24 g dm−3 h−1 were attained in the fermentation process for xylitol production from detoxified hydrolysate. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Computed tomography assessment of myocardial perfusion, viability, and function
Authors: Koyama Yasushi , Mochizuki Teruhito , Higaki Jitsuo
Published: May 2004

In addition to coronary artery assessment, contrast‐enhanced multidetector spiral computed tomography (CE‐MDCT) can provide valuable information about myocardial perfusion. Using CE‐MDCT, myocardial perfusion defects are often observed in the early phase of the contrast bolus (early defect (ED)), with residual defects (RDs) and late enhancement (LE) observed in the late phase in myocardial infarction (MI). However, the clinical significance of EDs, RDs, and LE has not yet been fully described. This work reviews myocardial viability and function by CE‐MDCT based on our prior data by including contrast‐enhanced single‐slice (detector) CT (CE‐SSCT) and CE‐MDCT. Recently, equivalent results were obtained, as seen in CE‐SSCT with images by CE‐MDCT. In this review, images that were acquired by MDCT will be presented. In this work, the following items will be the focus: myocardial enhancement patterns (EDs, LE, and RDs), early perfusion defects and their relationship to wall thickness (WT) and wall motion, early CT perfusion defects vs. Tl‐201 single photon emission CT (SPECT), the protocol for performing dual‐phase contrast CT, classification of enhancement patterns, enhancement patterns on dual‐phase CE‐MDCT vs. left ventricular functional recovery and WT, changes in enhancement patterns in conjunction with healing stage, enhancement patterns on dual‐phase CE‐MDCT vs. 201Tl/99mTc‐pyrophosphate (dual‐isotope SPECT), the clinical meaning of each enhancement pattern, pitfalls of enhancement patterns and other diseases, and study limitations and the future of MDCT. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:800–815. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiation dose in multidetector row computed tomography cardiac imaging
Authors: Bae Kyongtae T. , Hong Cheng , Whiting Bruce R.
Published: May 2004

Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) with its markedly improved temporal and spatial resolution has opened up a new opportunity in cardiac CT imaging. MDCT scanners are increasingly available and have become the preferred CT scanners for the entire spectrum of clinical CT examinations. As a consequence, the number of cardiac CT studies is continuously growing. Because cardiac CT studies involve considerable radiation doses, it is compelling for us to understand the radiation dose estimates associated with cardiac CT imaging. In this article, we review the concepts of radiation dose measurement in CT, discuss MDCT scan parameters affecting radiation exposure, and provide a reference summary of radiation dose estimates associated with MDCT cardiac imaging. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:859–863. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Past, present, and future perspective of cardiac computed tomography
Authors: Becker Christoph R. , Knez Andreas
Published: May 2004

In the United States, more than 1 million diagnostic invasive coronary angiograms are performed annually, and in about 50% the investigation is followed by an interventional procedure. The remaining symptomatic patients after angiography are treated conservatively or by bypass graft surgery. In recent decades coronary angiography has advanced to a fast and safe investigation. Nevertheless, in particular, patients are well aware of the small but not negligible risk of complications and the discomfort of the invasive procedure. In addition to electrocardiogram (EKG) or ultrasound stress test and thallium scintigraphy, there is further need for another noninvasive method that displays the morphology of the coronary arteries in a way that would allow the triage of patients with suspicion of coronary artery disease (CAD) for a conservative, interventional, or surgical treatment. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:676–685. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction of HIV‐specific antibody response and protection against vaginal SHIV transmission by intranasal immunization with inactivated SHIV‐capturing nanospheres in macaques
Authors: Miyake Ariko , Akagi Takami , Enose Yoshimi , Ueno Masamichi , Kawamura Masaki , Horiuchi Reii , Hiraishi Katsuya , Adachi Masakazu , Serizawa Takeshi , Narayan Opendra , Akashi Mitsuru , Baba Masanori , Hayami Masanori
Published: May 2004

We have previously reported that concanavalin A‐immobilized polystyrene nanospheres (Con A‐NS) could efficiently capture HIV‐1 particles and that intranasal immunization with inactivated HIV‐1‐capturing nanospheres (HIV‐NS) induced vaginal anti‐HIV‐1 IgA antibody response in mice. In this study, to evaluate the protective effect of immunization, each three macaques was intranasally immunized with Con A‐NS or inactivated simian/human immunodeficiency virus KU‐2‐capturing nanospheres (SHIV‐NS) and then intravaginally challenged with a pathogenic virus, SHIV KU‐2. After a series of six immunizations, vaginal anti‐HIV‐1 gp120 IgA and IgG antibodies were detected in all SHIV‐NS‐immunized macaques. After intravaginal challenge, one of the three macaques in each of the Con A‐NS‐ and SHIV‐NS‐immunized groups was infected. Plasma viral RNA load of infected macaque in SHIV‐NS‐immunized macaques was substantially less than that in unimmunized control macaque and reached below the detectable level. However, it could not be determined whether intranasal immunization with SHIV‐NS is effective in giving complete protection against intravaginal challenge. To explore the effect of the SHIV‐NS vaccine, the remaining non‐infected macaques were rechallenged intravenously with SHIV KU‐2. After intravenous challenge, all macaques became infected. However, SHIV‐NS‐immunized macaques had lower viral RNA loads and higher CD4+ T cell counts than unimmunized control macaques. Plasma anti‐HIV‐1 gp120 IgA and IgG antibodies were induced more rapidly in the SHIV‐NS‐immunized macaques than in the controls. The rapid antibody responses having neutralizing activity might contribute to the clearance of the challenge virus. Thus, SHIV‐NS‐immunized macaques exhibited partial protection to vaginal and systemic challenges with SHIV KU‐2. J. Med. Virol. 73:368–377, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High rate of spontaneous clearance of acute hepatitis C virus genotype 3 infection
Authors: Lehmann Marc , Meyer Manuela F. , Monazahian Masyar , Tillmann Hans L. , Manns Michael P. , Wedemeyer Heiner
Published: May 2004

Treating acute hepatitis C with interferon alpha prevents chronicity in nearly all cases when therapy is initiated within 3 months after infection. However, 15–50% of untreated patients may clear the hepatitis C virus (HCV) spontaneously. Therefore, factors are needed to identify patients prior to therapy who have a higher or lower risk for developing a chronic course to avoid unnecessary treatment. The role of the HCV genotype for spontaneous recovery from acute hepatitis C has been discussed controversially. In the year 2002, all 1,176 new incoming prisoners in a Northern German prison for young men (age 16–24) were screened for anti‐HCV antibodies and 92 tested positive. Ninety eight percent of these reported i.v.‐drug abuse for a median of 32 months prior to imprisonment. HCV‐RNA negative individuals (21%) were serotyped and HCV‐RNA positive patients were genotyped. The prevalence of HCV genotype 3 was significantly higher among individuals who had cleared HCV spontaneously as compared to chronically infected patients (86% vs. 38%; P = 0.002). Ninety three percent of individuals exposed to HCV genotype 1 but only 63% of individuals exposed to genotype 3 experienced a chronic course of the infection (P = 0.006). Thus, acute infection in young Caucasian men with HCV genotype 3 leads more often to spontaneous clearance than infection with HCV genotype‐1. Considering also the high chance of successful treatment of chronic HCV genotype 3 infection with pegylated‐interferon in combination with ribavirin, we suggest not to treat acute hepatitis C genotype 3 infection early but rather to wait at least 3 months after the onset of symptoms when chronicity becomes likely. J. Med. Virol. 73:387–391, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The predictive value of core antigen testing for the management of hepatitis C patients receiving pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment
Authors: Pradat Pierre , Maynard Marianne , Buti Maria , Berthillon Pascale , Picchio Gaston , Tillmann Hans L. , Wiegand Johannes , Voirin Nicolas , Manns Michael P. , Esteban Juan‐Ignacio , Martinot Michèle , Marcellin Patrick , Trepo Christian
Published: May 2004

A new quantitative marker of HCV viremia based on the detection of the core antigen of the virus has recently become commercially available in Europe. The usefulness of this test was examined for the management of patients treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin. One hundred twenty‐eight pegylated interferon/ribavirin treated patients were studied. Serum samples were available at baseline, week 4 and week 12 time‐points, respectively. Core antigen was quantified using the trak‐C assay (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Raritan, NJ). For all genotypes at week 4, the positive and negative predictive values of HCV core antigen were 81.4 and 92.9%, respectively, while at week 12 they were 67.9 and 100%, respectively. These predictive values varied substantially according to viral genotype. Among patients with a negative core antigen level (<1.5 pg/ml) at week 12, only 33% of those who were positive at week 4 achieved a sustained virological response whereas 85% of those who were already negative did (P < 0.001). The core antigen assay may be used at week 4 and week 12 to distinguish patients who will achieve a sustained virological response from those who will relapse/breakthrough. This assay is a new reliable alternative for early prediction of virological non‐response in patients treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin. J. Med. Virol. 73:392–396, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinically‐based determination of safe DNAemia cutoff levels for preemptive therapy or human cytomegalovirus infections in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Lilleri Daniele , Baldanti Fausto , Gatti Marta , Rovida Francesca , Dossena Luca , Grazia Simona De , Torsellini Maria , Gerna Giuseppe
Published: May 2004

Transplantation Centers using human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antigenemia‐based preemptive therapy will need to replace in the near future the antigenemia assay with a more standardized and automatable assay, such as a molecular assay quantifying HCMV DNA in blood (DNAemia). Thus, in view of replacing antigenemia with clinically safe cutoff values, DNAemia levels corresponding to antigenemia cutoffs guiding HCMV preemptive therapy were determined retrospectively in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (HSCTR) using an “in‐house” quantitative PCR (QPCR) method. Since preemptive therapy had prevented appearance of HCMV disease in all patients tested, DNA cutoffs determined retrospectively had to be considered as safe clinically as antigenemia cutoffs used prospectively. However, in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR), initiating preemptive therapy upon an antigenemia cutoff of 100 pp65‐positive leukocytes, a DNAemia cutoff of 300,000 copies/ml blood had positive and negative predictive values of >90%, indicating that a DNAemia cutoff could achieve, in terms of prevention of HCMV disease, the same clinical results as the antigenemia cutoff. In HSCTR, initiating preemptive therapy upon first antigenemia positivity, a DNAemia cutoff of 10,000 copies/ml blood had a positive predictive value of >90%, indicating that the great majority of patients treated under the antigenemia guidance would have been treated also using this DNA cutoff. On the other hand, the negative predictive value of 28.6% indicated that two out of three HSCTR had been treated under the antigenemia guidance having the same levels of viral DNA as the untreated patients. The data suggest that a quantitative cutoff could be adopted as a guiding criterion for preemptive therapy also in HSCTR. Regression analysis allowed to determine the DNAemia (corresponding to QPCR) cutoff values for two commercial assays tested both in solid organ and HSCTR. Retrospective DNAemia cutoff values will be verified for safety in prospective trials. J. Med. Virol. 73:412–418, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enterovirus infections with β‐cell tropic strains are frequent in siblings of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes children and in association with elevated levels of GAD65 antibodies
Authors: Frisk Gun , Tuvemo Torsten
Published: May 2004

Enterovirus infections have been associated with type 1 diabetes in a number of reports. Recent prospective studies have suggested that enterovirus infections initiate the autoimmune process. Variation in virulence and replication pattern between strains of a serotype has also been shown. The aim was to study if there were specific Coxsackievirus strains that were associated more often with the type 1 diabetes children than with controls and/or siblings and to analyse if there was any time‐relationship between such infections and the appearance of antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). In the present study, serum was tested from newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes children, their siblings and matched controls for neutralising antibodies against different strains of Coxsackievirus B (CBV). Tests for the presence of antibodies against GAD65 in the same groups were also carried out. Newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes children revealed higher titres of neutralising antibodies against a strain of Coxsackievirus B4 (CBV‐4, VD2921) that has been shown to cause persistent infection in human pancreatic islet cells. The type 1 diabetes child and its sibling often encountered the same infection. Among the former, 16 of 27 (59%) had a significant rise in neutralising antibodies. Eight of the type 1 diabetes children had such a rise against a recombinant strain, V89 4557. Among the siblings 10 of 13 (77%) had significant titre increases. Among the type 1 diabetes children, increasing neutralising titres was associated positively with increasing antibody levels against GAD65. All siblings with antibodies against GAD 65 had significant titre increase against any of the CBV strains. J. Med. Virol. 73:450–459, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Positively charged synthetic peptides from structural proteins of papillomaviruses abrogate human papillomavirus infectivity
Authors: Bousarghin Latifa , Touzé Antoine , Yvonnet Bernard , Coursaget Pierre
Published: May 2004

Human papillomavirus (HPV) virus‐like particles (VLP) and synthetic peptides corresponding to positively‐charged sequences of the major and minor capsid proteins were tested for their efficacy in inhibiting the infectivity of HPV 31 pseudovirions by blocking virus entry into cells. A greater than 80% reduction of transfection was observed with one HPV‐31 peptide at a concentration of 10 μg/ml. Moreover, the blocking was not type‐specific since similar reduction in transfection was observed with peptides from other HPV types at a concentration of 60 μg/ml. This concentration was non‐toxic for the cells. These findings indicate that some of the positively‐charged sequences of the L1 and L2 HPV capsid proteins of papillomavirus are compounds that might be locally active against sexually transmitted papillomavirus. The findings provide further evidence that cellular glycosamino‐glycans (GAGs) are functional receptors for HPVs. J. Med. Virol. 73:474–480, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on transactivation of AP‐1 and NF‐κB in mouse epidermal cl41 cells
Authors: Li Jingxia , Chen Haobin , Ke Qingdong , Feng Zhaohui , Tang Moon‐Shong , Liu Bingci , Amin Shantu , Costa Max , Huang Chuanshu
Published: May 2004

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), (±)‐anti‐benzo[a]pyrene‐7,8‐diol‐9,10‐epoxide (B[a]PDE), and 5‐methylchrysene‐1,2‐diol‐3,4‐epoxide (5‐MCDE), are complete carcinogens. However, the tumor promotion effects of PAHs remain unclear. We therefore investigated the possible activation of activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) and nuclear factor‐κB (NFκB) in mouse epidermal Cl41 cells after different PAHs treatments, including B[a]P, B[a]PDE, chrysene‐1,2‐diol‐3,4‐epoxid (CDE), and 5‐MCDE. The results showed that B[a]PDE and 5‐MCDE were able to activate AP‐1 and NF‐κB, whereas B[a]P showed only marginal effect on AP‐1 activation, and B[a]P and CDE had no effect on NF‐κB activation. Treatment with either B[a]PDE or 5‐MCDE also resulted in mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation as well as inhibitory subunit kappa‐B (IκBα) phosphorylation and degradation, whereas B[a]P and CDE had no effect. Pretreatment with PD98059, a specific inhibitor for extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases (ERKs) upstream kinase MEK1/2, or SB202190, a p38 kinase inhibitor, resulted in a dramatic inhibition of B[a]PDE‐induced AP‐1 transactivation. In addition, B[a]PDE‐induced AP‐1 activation was also inhibited by overexpressing a dominant negative mutant of JNK1 in the cells. All these suggest ERKs, c‐jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs), and p38 kinase signal transduction pathways are required for AP‐1 induction by B[a]PDE. Taken together, B[a]PDE and 5‐MCDE are the active compounds of PAHs to initiate signaling pathways. Considering the important roles of AP‐1 and NF‐κB in tumor promotion, we speculated the activation of AP‐1 and NF‐κB by B[a]PDE and 5‐MCDE may involve in their or their parent compounds' tumor promotion effects. This study may help in better understanding the tumor promotion effects of PAHs. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electronic influences on 3J(C,H) coupling constants via S, S(O) and SO2: their determination, calculation and comparison of detection methods
Authors: Heydenreich Matthias , Koch Andreas , Kovács József , Tóth Gábor , Kleinpeter Erich
Published: May 2004

3J(C,H) coupling constants via a sulfur atom in two series of compounds, both including a sulfide, a sulfoxide and a sulfone, were detected experimentally and calculated by quantum mechanical methods. In the first series (1–3) the coupling between a hydrogen, bonded to an sp3 carbon, and an sp2 carbon is treated; the second series (4–6) deals with the coupling between a hydrogen, bonded to an sp3 carbon, and an sp3 carbon. Different pulse sequences (broadband HMBC, SelJres, 1D HSQMBC, J‐HMBC‐2, selective J‐resolved long‐range experiment and IMPEACH‐MBC) proved to be useful in determining the long‐range 3J(C,H) coupling constants. However, the dynamic behaviour of two of the compounds (4 and 6) led to weighted averages of the two coupling constants expected (concerning equatorial and axial positions of the corresponding hydrogens). DFT calculations proved to be useful to calculate not only the 3J(C,H) coupling constants but also the different contributions of FC, PSO, DSO and SD terms; the calculation of the Fermi contact term (FC) was found to be sufficient for the correct estimation of 3J(C,H) coupling constants. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.