bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptide and Dendritic Cell Vaccines
Authors: Slingluff Craig L. , Engelhard Victor H. , Ferrone Soldano
Published: April 2006

There has been a rush to convert discovery of new melanoma antigens into cancer vaccines for the therapy of melanoma. The result has been disappointing from a clinical standpoint. The premise behind rapid pursuit of peptide vaccines for melanoma therapy was that the spontaneous tumor-associated immune response was too weak to be effective. However, it is increasingly clear that the host-tumor relationship is a complex interplay of immune response, immune escape, and immune adaptation, with multiple layers of regulatory control and modulation of responses over time. The lesion in the immune response to cancer is much more complex than simply a weak immune response to defined antigens. Current results should serve as a call to take a closer look at immune regulatory processes and principles and to develop more comprehensive and multiagent approaches to modulate the host-tumor relationship. Development of effective immune therapy for cancer will require (a) more comprehensive and real-time immune monitoring in various tissue compartments and (b) patient-specific modulation of immune responses, informed by the real-time monitoring. Peptide antigens associated with MHC class I or class II molecules are the molecular targets for T-cell recognition of cancer. To characterize the host-tumor relationship and to optimize cancer vaccines, clinical studies using defined peptide antigens offer special opportunities to advance the field and thus have an important place in the ongoing development of effective immune therapy of melanoma.
Retrospective Determination of the Area at Risk for Reperfused Acute Myocardial Infarction With T2-Weighted Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Aletras Anthony H. , Tilak Gauri S. , Natanzon Alex , Hsu Li-Yueh , Gonzalez Felix M. , Hoyt Robert F. , Arai Andrew E.
Published: April 2006

Background—

The aim of this study was to determine whether edema imaging by T2-weighted cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging could retrospectively delineate the area at risk in reperfused myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that the size of the area at risk during a transient occlusion would be similar to the T2-weighted hyperintense region observed 2 days later, that the T2-weighted hyperintense myocardium would show partial functional recovery after 2 months, and that the T2 abnormality would resolve over 2 months.

Methods and Results—

Seventeen dogs underwent a 90-minute coronary artery occlusion, followed by reperfusion. The area at risk, as measured with microspheres (9 animals), was comparable to the size of the hyperintense zone on T2-weighted images 2 days later (43.4±3.3% versus 43.0±3.4% of the left ventricle;
P
=NS), and the 2 measures correlated (
R
=0.84). The infarcted zone was significantly smaller (23.1±3.7; both
P
<0.001). To test whether the hyperintense myocardium would exhibit partial functional recovery over time, 8 animals were imaged on day 2 and 2 months later. Systolic strain was mapped with displacement encoding with stimulated echoes. Edema, as detected by a hyperintense zone on T2-weighted images, resolved, and regional radial systolic strain partially improved from 4.9±0.7 to 13.1±1.5 (
P
=0.001) over 2 months.

Conclusions—

These findings are consistent with the premise that the T2 abnormality depicts the area at risk, a zone of reversibly and irreversibly injured myocardium associated with reperfused subendocardial infarctions. The persistence of postischemic edema allows T2-weighted CMR to delineate the area at risk 2 days after reperfused myocardial infarction.
The Dated Coins of Herod the Great: Towards a New Chronology
Authors: Marshak Adam Kolman
Published: April 2006

This paper discusses and proposes a new chronology for a series of Herod the Great's coins, known as the dated series, which are largest and most artistic of his coin issues. While earlier scholarship dated these issues to the early Herodian period, this paper argues instead that the coins were struck in 27 B.C.E. to commemorate the rebuilding and renaming of Samaria/Sebaste in Augustus' honor. Herod minted these coins as a special series to celebrate this great achievement, an accomplishment that simultaneously advertised Herod's power and magnificence as well as his loyalty to the new Augustan regime.
Decadal Variability of the ENSO Teleconnection to the High-Latitude South Pacific Governed by Coupling with the Southern Annular Mode*
Authors: Fogt Ryan L. , Bromwich David H.
Published: April 2006

Decadal variability of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection to the high-latitude South Pacific is examined by correlating the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) 40-yr Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and observations with the Southern Oscillation index (SOI) over the last two decades. There is a distinct annual contrast between the 1980s and the 1990s, with the strong teleconnection in the 1990s being explained by an enhanced response during austral spring. Geopotential height anomaly composites constructed during the peak ENSO seasons also demonstrate the decadal variability.

Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis reveals that the 1980s September–November (SON) teleconnection is weak due to the interference between the Pacific–South American (PSA) pattern associated with ENSO and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). An in-phase relationship between these two modes during SON in the 1990s amplifies the height and pressure anomalies in the South Pacific, producing the strong teleconnections seen in the correlation and composite analyses. The in-phase relationship between the tropical and high-latitude forcing also exists in December–February (DJF) during the 1980s and 1990s.

These results suggest that natural climate variability plays an important role in the variability of SAM, in agreement with a growing body of literature. Additionally, the significantly positive correlation between ENSO and SAM only during times of strong teleconnection suggests that both the Tropics and the high latitudes need to work together in order for ENSO to strongly influence Antarctic climate.
How Often Does It Rain?
Authors: Sun Ying , Solomon Susan , Dai Aiguo , Portmann Robert W.
Published: April 2006

Daily precipitation data from worldwide stations and gridded analyses and from 18 coupled global climate models are used to evaluate the models' performance in simulating the precipitation frequency, intensity, and the number of rainy days contributing to most (i.e., 67%) of the annual precipitation total. Although the models examined here are able to simulate the land precipitation amount well, most of them are unable to reproduce the spatial patterns of the precipitation frequency and intensity. For light precipitation (1–10 mm day−1), most models overestimate the frequency but produce patterns of the intensity that are in broad agreement with observations. In contrast, for heavy precipitation (>10 mm day−1), most models considerably underestimate the intensity but simulate the frequency relatively well. The average number of rainy days contributing to most of the annual precipitation is a simple index that captures the combined effects of precipitation frequency and intensity on the water supply. The different measures of precipitation characteristics examined in this paper reveal region-to-region differences in the observations and models of relevance for climate variability, water resources, and climate change.
Observed Low-Frequency Covariabilities between the Tropical Oceans and the North Atlantic Oscillation in the Twentieth Century
Authors: King Martin P. , Kucharski Fred
Published: April 2006

The low-frequency covariabilities of tropical sea surface temperature (SST) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) during twentieth-century winters are investigated by maximum covariance analysis (MCA) using reanalysis data. It was found that the positive NAO phase is positively correlated to an increase in tropical SST, especially during the recent decades. The western tropical Pacific SST displays high correlation with the NAO throughout the whole of the twentieth century. For this ocean region, the MCA homogeneous map has a SST spatial pattern with meridional gradients. It was also found that a cooling of tropical Atlantic SST is correlated with positive NAO. The influence of the tropical Atlantic SST on the NAO is strongest during the pre-1960s period.
Natural history of cerebral vein thrombosis: a systematic review
Authors: Dentali Francesco , Gianni Monica , Crowther Mark A. , Ageno Walter
Published: April 2006

Cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) has been considered, until a few years ago, an uncommon disease with significant long-term morbidity and high mortality rate. New noninvasive diagnostic techniques have increased the frequency with which this disease is diagnosed; despite this, there continues to be little data on its natural history. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the mortality rate, the rate of disability at long-term follow-up, and the incidence of recurrence after a first episode of CVT; to determine clinical and radiologic predictors of death and dependence; and to identify possible risk factors for recurrence. (Data source: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, reference lists of selected articles and authors' libraries.) Nineteen studies were identified. Mortality rate during peri-hospitalization period is 5.6% (range, 0%-15.2%) and 9.4% (range, 0%-39%) at the end of follow-up period. Eighty-eight percent of surviving patients recover completely or have only a mild functional or cognitive deficit. Two thirds of patients with CVT recanalized within the first few months after presentation, and 2.8% (range, 0%-11.7%) had objectively confirmed recurrence. We conclude that patients with CVT have a low risk of death and that most patients have a good long-term prognosis.
Axillary Sentinel Lymph Nodes Can Be Falsely Positive Due to Iatrogenic Displacement and Transport of Benign Epithelial Cells in Patients With Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Bleiweiss Ira J. , Nagi Chandandeep S. , Jaffer Shabnam
Published: April 2006

Purpose

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for cytokeratins (CK) is common practice in evaluating sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with breast carcinoma. IHC positivity typically indicates metastasis. SLN procedures are increasingly common in patients with pure intraductal carcinoma (DCIS). Iatrogenic epithelial cell displacement and benign transport of breast epithelial cells into axillary lymph nodes are recently described phenomena. We report 25 cases in which these factors probably resulted in benign epithelial cells in axillary SLNs (ie, false positivity).

Methods

We reviewed 25 cases of CK-positive SLNs in which the epithelial cells had histologic and IHC characteristics different from their respective patients’ underlying breast carcinomas.

Results

In all cases, the cytologic features of the epithelial cells in the SLNs were benign, and 22 matched those of corresponding intraductal papillomas that were involved by or were separate from the DCIS in the original cores or surgical biopsies. Fifteen cases were pure DCIS; most invasive tumors were smaller than 1.0 cm. In six carcinomas (DCIS) showing strong Her-2/neu staining, the corresponding epithelial cells in the SLNs were negative. In 13 tumors that were strongly and uniformly positive for estrogen receptor (ER), the cytokeratin-positive cells in the SLNs were negative for ER. Nineteen cases showed benign epithelial cell displacement at the biopsy site.

Conclusion

Epithelial cells in SLNs may result from transport of displaced cells, usually originating in intraductal papillomas. Positive immunohistochemical results in SLNs should be interpreted with extreme caution to avoid automatically concluding that such cells represent metastasis. Sentinel lymph nodes in breast carcinoma can be falsely positive.
Artificial control of gene expression in mammalian cells by modulating RNA interference through aptamer–small molecule interaction
Authors: An Chung-Il , Trinh Vu B. , Yokobayashi Yohei
Published: April 2006

Recent studies have uncovered extensive presence and functions of small noncoding RNAs in gene regulation in eukaryotes. In particular, RNA interference (RNAi) has been the subject of significant investigations for its unique role in post-transcriptional gene regulation and utility as a tool for artificial gene knockdown. Here, we describe a novel strategy for post-transcriptional gene regulation in mammalian cells in which RNAi is specifically modulated through RNA aptamer–small molecule interaction. Incorporation of an RNA aptamer for theophylline in the loop region of a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) designed to silence fluorescent reporter genes led to dose-dependent inhibition of RNAi by theophylline. shRNA cleavage experiments using recombinant Dicer demonstrated that theophylline inhibited cleavage of an aptamer-fused shRNA by Dicer in vitro. Inhibition of siRNA production by theophylline was also observed in vivo. The results presented here provide the first evidence of specific RNA–small molecule interaction affecting RNAi, and a novel strategy to regulate mammalian gene expression by small molecules without engineered proteins.
The role of affect in UK commuters' travel mode choices: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Mann Eleanor , Abraham Charles
Published: April 2006

Previous research has suggested that the choice between public transport and private car use is not solely based on utility considerations, such as time and cost. However, affective considerations tend not to be targeted in policy interventions to reduce car use. This may be due, in part, to a lack of clarity about which affective responses to car use are important and how they may affect willingness to switch to public transport. This study sought to clarify the role of affective responses in transport mode choice. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of car users' accounts was conducted to (i) explore affect associated with decisions to drive or use public transport to get to work; and (ii) describe the role of affect on such transport decisions, and its relationship to utility considerations. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 18 car users employed at a medium‐sized UK university. Four affect themes were identified: These were journey‐based affect (JBA), personal space, autonomy and identity. Typical ‘utility’ factors such as time, cost and reliability had important affective effects, and these were considered alongside utility components (e.g. getting to work on time). However, these effects were not always additive, and the role of affect depended on participants' own assessment of their circumstances. Implications for interventions are discussed.
Legal Aspects from a Cairo Geniza Responsum on the Islamic Law of the Sea: Practice and Theory
Authors: Khalilieh Hassan Salih
Published: April 2006

The Cairo Geniza continues to bring to light an ever more comprehensive picture of the social, political and economic life of medieval Muslims and Jews. Though the document under discussion — Bodl. MS Heb. a3 (Cat. 2873), f. 9 — has been published three times, many aspects of it treated in this paper have been largely if not entirely overlooked. Albeit the subject matter of the responsum focuses on the testimonial oath as established by Jewish law and an individual's right to collect his own portion of the goods, the responsum contains various aspects on the Islamic law of the sea namely commercial transactions, taxation, funeral practices, the captain's jurisdiction, adjudication processes, relationships between dhimmis and Muslims, and the legal status of cargoes owned by a dhimmi juvenile. The article proves that the legal issues addressed in Islamic jurisprudential sources were not theoretical, as a segment of contemporary scholars assumes. The scope of legal inquiries cited in Islamic jurisprudence was far more diverse than believed and the issues jurists treated and decided represented actual incidents.
Does Helicobacter pylori cause gastric cancer via oxidative stress?
Authors: Correa Pelayo
Published: April 2006

Epidemiologic evidence strongly supports a causal role forHelicobacter pyloriin gastric carcinogenesis. The infection was recognized as a Class I human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 1994. The bacterium does not induce carcinogenesis by itself. The present scientific consensus is that the bacterial oncogenic role is mediated by the chronic active inflammation it elicits in the gastric mucosa. Although the ultimate basic mechanism of carcinogenesis is unknown, strongly suggestive evidence points to oxidative stress as having a pivotal role in the process. This review discusses some of the evidence accumulated so far to support such a role. Numerous avenues of research are open and represent an intriguing challenge to the scientific community.
Research on the early hydration properties of C3A prepared by sol–gel method
Authors: Chen H. , Wang P. , Liu X.
Published: April 2006

The results of hydration of C3A (tricalcium aluminate), prepared by the sol—gel method, for up to 18 h are presented. The hydration heat and heat of evolution were determined by an isothermal calorimeter. The hydration process was divided into three stages and the degree of hydration of the pastes at different stages was analysed by X-ray phase analysis without standards. The ion concentration of the hydration solution was determined using a filter method by X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma. When the C3A powders were in contact with initially pure water, Ca2+ and aluminate anions were released rapidly. In the first few minutes the C3A powders reacted with water very rapidly and Ca(OH)2 crystals more readily formed at higher rather than lower hydration temperatures. C3AH6 was the main hydration product in the early stage.
Cover Picture: Flattened Cone 2,8,14,20‐Tetrakis(L‐valinamido)[4]resorcinarene: An Enantioselective Allosteric Receptor in the Gas Phase (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 17/2006)
Authors: Botta Bruno , Caporuscio Fabiana , Subissati Deborah , Tafi Andrea , Botta Maurizio , Filippi Antonello , Speranza Maurizio
Published: April 2006

Protein allosterism is the basis for the molecular control of fundamental processes in living systems, but despite its importance, basic questions on the mechanisms involved remain unanswered. A gas‐phase approach to the problem is described by M. Speranza et al. in their Communication on page 2717 ff., in which they report the highly enantioselective, 2‐aminobutane‐induced loss of D‐ and L‐tryptophan from the achiral hydrophobic rim of a chiral resorcin[4]arene.
Comparison of cell lines for stable production of fucose‐negative antibodies with enhanced ADCC
Authors: Kanda Yutaka , Yamane‐Ohnuki Naoko , Sakai Naoto , Yamano Kazuya , Nakano Ryosuke , Inoue Miho , Misaka Hirofumi , Iida Shigeru , Wakitani Masako , Konno Yoshinobu , Yano Keiichi , Shitara Kenya , Hosoi Shinji , Satoh Mitsuo
Published: April 2006

Several methods have been described to enhance antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) using different host cells that produce antibody with reduced levels of fucose on their carbohydrates. We compared the suitability of these methods for the serum‐free fed‐batch production of antibody for clinical trials and commercial uses. Recombinant anti‐human CD20 chimeric IgG1‐producing clones were established from host‐cells that have been shown to produce more than 90% fucose‐negative antibody. The cell lines were a FUT8 (α‐1,6‐fucosyltransferase) knockout Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, Ms704, and two Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA)‐resistant cell lines, one derived from a variant CHO line, Lec13 and the other from a rat hybridoma cell line, YB2/0. The amount of fucose‐negative antibody produced by Lec13 and YB2/0 significantly decreased with the culture. The increase in fucosylation was due to remaining synthesis of GDP‐fucose via de novo pathway for the CHO line and the elevation of FUT8 expression by the YB2/0 cells. In contrast, Ms704 cells stably produced fucose‐negative antibody with a consistent carbohydrate structure until the end of the culture. The productivity of the Ms704 cells reached 1.76 g/L with a specific production rate (SPR) of 29 pg/cell/day for 17 days in serum‐free fed‐batch culture using a 1 L spinner bioreactor. Our results demonstrate that FUT8 knockout has the essential characteristics of host cells for robust manufacture of fucose‐negative therapeutic antibodies with enhanced ADCC. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved quality of life after sympathetic block for upper limb hyperhidrosis
Authors: Panhofer P , Zacherl J , Jakesz R , Bischof G , Neumayer C
Published: April 2006

Background

The aim of the study was to assess two disease-specific quality of life (QoL) instruments after limited endoscopic thoracic sympathetic block (TS) at T4 for upper limb hyperhidrosis.

Methods

Between 2001 and 2005, 112 patients underwent 223 TS procedures in a prospective study. Some 103 patients (92·0 per cent) had palmar, 87 (77·7 per cent) had axillary and 75 (67·0 per cent) had combined hyperhidrosis. QoL questionnaires devised by Keller et al. and Milanez de Campos et al. were employed before and after treatment. Mean(s.d.) follow-up was 21·9(10·1) months.

Results

A total of 106 patients (94·6 per cent) were evaluated. All patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were completely or almost dry after surgery. Side-effects of compensatory sweating and gustatory sweating were observed in 17·0 and 28·3 per cent of patients respectively. QoL improved after TS in 100 per cent (Keller) and 97·3 per cent (Milanez de Campos) of patients illustrated by ameliorated scores of 78·7 and 67·8 per cent, respectively (both P < 0·001). Both questionnaires showed that compensatory sweating resulted in reduced postoperative QoL (P = 0·011, Keller; P = 0·032, Milanez de Campos).

Conclusion

Endoscopic sympathetic block at T4 leads to improved QoL. Both current questionnaires fulfilled validation criteria for disease-specific QoL instruments in upper limb hyperhidrosis.
Comparative study of left colonic Peritonitis Severity Score and Mannheim Peritonitis Index
Authors: Biondo S , Ramos E , Fraccalvieri D , Kreisler E , Ragué J Martí , Jaurrieta E
Published: April 2006

Background

Prognostic evaluation of patients with left colonic perforation is useful in predicting mortality. The aims of this prospective study were to determine the prognostic value of the left colonic Peritonitis Severity Score (PSS) and to compare it with the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI).

Methods

One-hundred and fifty-six patients underwent emergency operation for distal colonic peritonitis. The PSS and MPI were calculated for each patient. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to measure the association between the two scores. The predictive power of the two scoring systems and their differences were studied using the area under the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Forty-one patients died (26·3 per cent). The relationship between scores and mortality was statistically significant for each scoring system (P < 0·001). The Spearman rank correlation coefficient for the correlation between the MPI and PSS was 0·55 (P < 0·001). There was no difference between areas under the ROC curves for the two systems.

Conclusion

The PSS and MPI are both well validated scoring systems for left colonic peritonitis. Their routine use might allow stratification of patients according to mortality risk.
Survival benefit of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in sigmoid colon or rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Kanemitsu Y , Hirai T , Komori K , Kato T
Published: April 2006

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) root nodal dissection before high ligation of the artery on survival in patients with sigmoid colon or rectal cancer.

Methods

Data on 1188 consecutive patients who underwent resection for sigmoid colon or rectal cancer, with high ligation of the IMA, were identified from a prospective database (April 1965 to December 1999). Survival of patients with involvement of nodes along the IMA proximal to the origin of the left colic artery (root nodes, station 253) through the bifurcation of the superior rectal artery (trunk nodes, station 252) was determined.

Results

Twenty patients (1·7 per cent) had metastatic involvement of station 253 lymph nodes and 99 (8·3 per cent) had metastases to station 252. The 5- and 10-year survival rates of patients with metastases to station 253 were 40 and 21 per cent, and those for patients with metastases to station 252 were 50 and 35 per cent, respectively.

Conclusion

High ligation of the IMA allows curative resection and long-term survival in patients with cancer of the sigmoid colon or rectum and nodal metastases at the origin of the IMA.
Malignant potential of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Tipton S G , Smyrk T C , Sarr M G , Thompson G B
Published: April 2006

Background

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas are rare malignant lesions of the pancreas that typically occur in young women. Large series from any one centre are notably absent in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine long-term outcomes of operative therapy.

Methods

The records of all 14 patients diagnosed with pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas over 17 years were reviewed.

Results

Thirteen of the 14 patients were female and the mean age at diagnosis was 30 years. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm was suspected in only half of these patients before operation. On computed tomography, ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, three lesions were solid, three were largely cystic, and five had solid and cystic components. All 14 patients underwent surgical exploration and curative resections were possible in 13, including distal pancreatectomy in nine, pancreaticoduodenectomy in three and resection of a local intraperitoneal recurrence in one patient. After follow-up ranging from 3 months to 20 years, 12 patients were alive, including one who had undergone re-exploration and resection of local and subcutaneous recurrences 9 years previously.

Conclusion

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any solid or partly cystic pancreatic mass in women aged less than 35 years. An attempt at en bloc resection without formal lymphadenectomy should be undertaken, including resection of synchronous or metachronous distant metastases.
Long-term outcome of resection of large hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen X-P , Qiu F-Z , Wu Z-D , Zhang Z-W , Huang Z-Y , Chen Y-F
Published: April 2006

Background

The role of hepatectomy in the treatment of large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still controversial. This retrospective study evaluated whether the long-term outcome of hepatectomy for large HCC improved over 14 years in one centre.

Methods

Data from 2102 patients who underwent hepatectomy for large HCC were collected prospectively and divided into two time intervals for analysis: before end of December 1996 (group 1) and after December 1996 (group 2). Clinicopathological data for the two groups were compared, and factors associated with long-term prognosis were further analysed.

Results

Cumulative 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 71·2, 58·8 and 38·7 per cent respectively in group 2, and were significantly better than respective rates of 67·8, 50·7 and 27·9 per cent in group 1. Cumulative 1-, 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 61·5, 38·6 and 23·8 per cent respectively in group 2, and 56·5, 34·7 and 18·9 per cent in group 1. There was a significant difference in median survival time after recurrence between groups 2 and 1 (17 and 10 months respectively; P = 0·043).

Conclusion

Hepatic resection in patients with large HCC has improved overall and disease-free survival during the past decade at this institute. Long-term survival can be improved significantly by aggressive treatment of recurrent tumours.
Safety and efficacy of endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy
Authors: Hanssen W E J , Kuhry E , Casseres Y A , de Herder W W , Steyerberg E W , Bonjer H J
Published: April 2006

Background

Minimally invasive adrenalectomy has replaced open surgery in the treatment of benign adrenal tumours. Transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches have been advocated. However, long-term outcome data are rare.

Methods

Over a period of 8 years, 123 patients underwent surgery for benign adrenal lesions using the endoscopic retroperitoneal approach. Data were analysed retrospectively by review of medical charts. Long-term results were obtained by sending questionnaires to patients and contacting their primary physicians.

Results

One hundred and twenty-three patients underwent 126 endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomies. Mean operating time for unilateral adrenalectomy was 115 min, whereas that for bilateral adrenalectomy was 208 min. The conversion rate was 4·8 per cent. Complications occurred after 15·9 per cent of adrenalectomies. One patient died during the postoperative period. Long-term results were obtained in 80 patients (74·8 per cent). Nine patients (11 per cent) reported chronic incisional pain and six patients (8 per cent) had chronic abdominal pain. Addisonian crisis after bilateral adrenalectomy occurred in three patients. Most patients (86 per cent) were satisfied with the cosmetic results.

Conclusion

Endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy is a safe and effective procedure. Long-term outcome is acceptable and the procedure has excellent cosmetic results.
Novel Aza Peptide Inhibitors and Active‐Site Probes of Papain‐Family Cysteine Proteases
Authors: Verhelst Steven H. L. , Witte Martin D. , Arastu‐Kapur Shirin , Fonovic Marko , Bogyo Matthew
Published: April 2006

Recent characterization of multiple classes of functionalized azapeptides as effective covalent inhibitors of cysteine proteases prompted us to investigate O‐acyl hydroxamates and their azapeptide analogues for use as activity‐based probes (ABPs). We report here a new class of azaglycine‐containing O‐acylhydroxamates that form stable covalent adducts with target proteases. This allows them to be used as ABPs for papain family cysteine proteases. A second class of related analogues containing a novel O‐acyl hydroxyurea warhead was found to function as covalent inhibitors of papain‐like proteases. These inhibitors can be easily synthesized on solid support, which allows rapid optimization of compounds with improved selectivity and potency for a given target enzyme. We present here one such optimized inhibitor that showed selective inhibition of falcipain 1, a protease of the malaria‐causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.
Intramolecular Triplet Energy Transfer in Donor–Acceptor Molecules Linked by a Crown Ether Bridge
Authors: Xu Xiao‐He , Fu Xiao‐Gang , Wu Li‐Zhu , Chen Bin , Zhang Li‐Ping , Tung Chen‐Ho , Ji Hai‐Feng , Schanze Kirk S. , Zhang Rui‐Qin
Published: April 2006

Bichromophoric compounds BP‐C‐NP and BP‐C‐NBD were synthesized with benzophenone chromophore (BP) as the donor, and 2‐naphthyl (NP) and norbornadiene group (NBD) as the acceptor, respectively. Their intramolecular triplet energy transfer was examined. The bridges linking the donor and acceptors in these molecules involve a crown ether moiety complexing a sodium ion. Phosphorescence quenching, flash photolysis and photosensitized isomerization experiments indicate that intramolecular triplet energy transfer occurs with rate constants of about 3.3×105 and 4.8×105 s−1 and efficiencies of about 33 and 42 % for BP‐C‐NP and BP‐C‐NBD, respectively. Theoretical calculations indicate that these molecules adopt conformations below room temperature which allow their two‐end chromophores conducive to through‐space energy transfer.
Acetylene Decomposition on Rh(100): Theory and Experiment
Authors: L. S. Nieskens Davy , Ample‐Navarro Francisco , Jansen Maarten M. M. , Curulla‐Ferré Daniel , Ricart Josep , Niemantsverdriet Hans
Published: April 2006

The decomposition of acetylene on a Rh(100) single crystal was studied by a combination of experimental techniques [static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS), temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD), and low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED)] to gain insight into the reaction pathway and the nature of the reaction intermediates. The experimental techniques were combined with a computational approach using density functional theory (DFT). Acetylene adsorbs irreversibly on the Rh(100) surface and eventually decomposes to atomic carbon and gas‐phase hydrogen. The combination of experimental and computational results enabled us to determine the most likely reaction pathway for the decomposition process.
Evaluation of the Dialysis Facility Compare website tool on Medicare.gov
Authors: Trisolini Michael , Zerhusen Eileen , Bandel Karen , Roussel Amy , Frederick Pamela , Schatell Dorian , Harris Shelly
Published: April 2006

Background

Medicare launched its Dialysis Facility Compare (DFC) website tool on Medicare.gov in 2001. This article reports on the methods and results of our recent evaluation of that website tool.

Methods

We conducted qualitative research with 270 dialysis and pre‐dialysis patients, family members, and dialysis professionals to obtain feedback, to study respondents' information needs, and to identify ways to improve DFC.

Results

Participants viewed DFC as providing useful information, but also as needing improvement in both content and usability.

Conclusions

We recommended a number of improvements to DFC, many of which have been implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Our methods and results can provide guidance for future efforts to evaluate other patient‐oriented renal care websites.
Mortality difference by dialysis modality among new ESRD patients with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lin Ting‐Chia , Kao Min‐Tsung , Lai Ming‐Nan , Huang Chiu‐Ching
Published: April 2006

Background

In many parts of the world, diabetic nephropathy is the principal cause of patients requiring renal replacement therapy. The survival rate of diabetic patients on maintenance dialysis, either hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD), is lower than that of non‐diabetic patients on either modality. However, studies analyzing the rates of survival between the methods have reported conflicting results.

Methods

We used a retrospective analysis of data obtained from the China Medical University Hospital in Taiwan. All new end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who were undergoing initial dialysis, either HD or PD, for more than 3 months at our hospital from January 2000 through December 2003, and were followed‐up through June 2004, were included. We compared survival rates between diabetic and non‐diabetic patients, and between the 2 modalities.

Results

Of the 445 patients studied, 219 patients (49.2%) received HD and 226 patients (50.8%) received PD as their initial therapy. One hundred two HD patients (46.6%) and 96 PD patients (42.5%) were diabetic. The average age was 60 ± 13 years for the HD patient group and 57 ± 16 years for the PD patient group. The hemoglobin level for the HD group was 9.5 ± 1.4 g/dL and 9.4 ± 1.3 g/dL for the PD group. The serum albumin level was 3.0 ± 0.6 g/dL for the HD group and 2.9 ± 0.6 g/dL for the PD group. There was no significant difference in the number of co‐morbidities between the HD and PD patients. Kaplan‐Meier survival curve and Cox‐regression analysis were used to compare the relative ratio (RR) of mortality between the HD and PD patient groups. Among these 445 patients, PD patients were associated with a significantly lower risk of death (RR: 0.382) compared with the HD patients. Older age (≥65 years), diabetes mellitus as the cause of ESRD, co‐morbidity of ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, cerebral vascular accident, peripheral artery occlusive disease, or liver cirrhosis, and Hb levels <8.0 g/dL) and serum albumin levels <2.8 g/dL were associated with a significantly high risk of mortality.

Conclusion

We found that new ESRD patients initiated treatment using PD had a higher survival rate than did those patients who chose to initate with HD. Additionally, non‐diabetic patients had a higher survival rate than did diabetic patients. More than 2 co‐morbidities, Hb level <8.0 g/dL), and serum albumin level <2.8 g/dL had a significantly high mortality rate in dialysis patients.
Electric characteristics of a dipole near the boundary between two media
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Ogawa Kenji , Sato Risaburo
Published: April 2006

This paper addresses the cases where a dipole is located near the boundary between two lossless media, and determines the equivalent permittivity for a homogeneous medium with matching the frequency characteristics of input admittance by means of the FDTD method. The paper reveals that the equivalent permittivity of the dipole near the boundary of lossless media consists of a complex number, and describes the behavior where the permittivity changes as a function of the gap between the dipole and the boundary. In particular, as the dipole leaves the boundary toward the medium with a lower permittivity, the equivalent permittivity changes discontinuously, indicating the asymmetric nature of the electric characteristics with respect to the boundary interface. Experimentally, the input admittance was measured when a monopole was placed near the boundary between a finite‐size clay and air. Experimental results and the results of theoretical analyses are compared to demonstrate the validity of this paper. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(9): 60–67, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10232
Wireless P‐MP transmission with multicode assignment algorithm
Authors: Nakamura Hiroshi , Shinkuma Ryoichi , Takahashi Tatsuro
Published: April 2006

The demand for video service in mobile communications systems is increasing. In response to this demand, wireless P‐MP (Point‐to‐MultiPoint) video transmission, in which a given video is transmitted to several moving terminals via a single channel, has been studied. This scheme can make effective use of bandwidth, power, and spreading codes. In this paper, as wireless P‐MP video transmission schemes effective in the CDMA system, we propose MCAP (MultiCode Assignment algorithm for P‐MP transmission) and the P‐MP video transmission system. In MCAP, the mobile terminals receiving the identical video are divided into two groups, high quality and low quality, based on the channel quality. By performing transmission power and transmission rate control for each group, the transmission rate can be improved. Also, by using multicode transmission, transmission rate control and the channel allocation are carried out in a unified fashion. In this paper, by means of simulations, it is demonstrated that the proposed scheme can substantially improve the transmission rate without increasing the number of spreading codes and the power. Several schemes are compared as power control base selection schemes needed for MCAP. An optimum scheme is determined from the comparative evaluation results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(8): 14–25, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20280
Capacity‐controlled MIMO adaptive modulation scheme
Authors: Ibi Shinsuke , Sampei Seiichi , Morinaga Norihiko
Published: April 2006

This paper notes that the modulation scheme used in MIMO (multiple‐input multiple‐output) system has only discrete spectral efficiency, which in addition has an upper limit from the viewpoint of implementation. A capacity‐controlled MIMO adaptive modulation scheme is proposed. In contrast to the conventional MIMO adaptive modulation, which aims at maximization of channel capacity based on the water‐filling theorem, the proposed scheme assigns the minimum necessary transmitted power satisfying the required QoS (quality of service) while maintaining constant transmission capacity by applying mode‐selective adaptive modulation based on a LUT (look‐up table). The algorithm of the proposed system is very simple, since the parameters for the adaptive modulation and the transmitted power control are determined by a single step. It is useful in the sense that the control part can easily be constructed in hardware. Furthermore, the overhead of the adaptive modulation is decreased by applying mode‐selective adaptive modulation. An evaluation by computer simulation is presented, and it is shown that the proposed system is useful in reducing the transmitted power while maintaining the specified transmission capacity. Furthermore, the proposed system is better in environments in which the fading variation in the channel has high spatial correlation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(8): 1–13, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20282
2D DOA estimation using beam steering antenna by the switched parasitic elements and RBF neural network
Authors: Matsumoto Takumi , Yoshihiko Kuwahara
Published: April 2006

Circularly polarized patch antennas are used as the radiating elements, and parasitic elements connected to either open or short circuits are placed on concentric circles centered around a feed element. Based on this configuration, a method is proposed for estimating the direction of arrival in a hemispherical space by beam scanning using switched parasitic elements and an RBF neural network. In order to realize direction‐of‐arrival estimation in the hemispherical space, a new form of postprocessing is added. After the switching method of the parasitic elements and the circular array radius are investigated, the method is compared with the use of an interferometer in terms of accuracy, resolution, and calculation load, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 89(9): 22–31, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20295
Peritoneal B‐2 cells comprise a distinct B‐2 cell population with B‐1b‐like characteristics
Authors: Hastings William D. , Tumang Joseph R. , Behrens Timothy W. , Rothstein Thomas L.
Published: April 2006

B‐1 and B‐2 cells are lymphocyte populations that differ in development, surface marker expression, tissue localization, and function. Though mainly found in the spleen, lymph nodes, and circulation of mice, small numbers of B‐2 cells are found in the peritoneal cavity, a site predominantly populated by B‐1 cells. Here, we characterized peritoneal B‐2 cells, and determined their relationship to B‐1 cells. We found that peritoneal B‐2 cells appear to be intermediate between splenic B‐2 and peritoneal B‐1 cells in terms of surface marker expression of B220, CD80, and CD43, expression of several marker genes, and in vitro viability and IgM secretion. Adoptive transfer of peritoneal B‐2 cells into severe combined immunodeficiency mice resulted in the acquisition of a phenotype reminiscent of B‐1b cells, as shown by up‐regulation of Mac‐1 and CD43, and down‐regulation of CD23. Moreover, adoptively transferred peritoneal B‐2 cells recapitulated B‐1 cell function by producing natural IgM in recipient mice. These data suggest that peritoneal B‐2 cells express some characteristics of B‐1b cells and that this similarity increases with additional time in the peritoneal cavity.
Differential involvement of TLR2 and TLR4 in host survival during pulmonary infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae
Authors: Rodriguez Nuria , Wantia Nina , Fend Falko , Dürr Susanne , Wagner Hermann , Miethke Thomas
Published: April 2006

The relevance of TLR2 and TLR4 for recognizing Chlamydia pneumoniae in vivo during pulmonary infection and to survive the infection was explored. We found that early immune responses triggered by C. pneumoniae partially depended on TLR2, but not on TLR4. The chemokines MIP‐2 and MIP‐1α were not induced, while IL‐12p40 levels were higher in TLR2–/– mice compared to wild‐type mice. Secretion of TNF, keratinocyte‐derived chemokine and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 was attenuated in TLR2–/– mice, while IFN‐γ was increased as in wild‐type mice. The pulmonary cyto‐ and chemokine response of TLR2–/–×TLR4d/d was similar to TLR2–/– mice. TLR2–/– and TLR2–/–×TLR4d/d mice also attracted fewer polymorphonuclear neutrophils into the lung, while TLR4d/d mice recruited them. Attenuated recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils correlated with reduced weight loss in TLR2–/– and TLR2–/–×TLR4d/d mice and a lower chlamydial burden 3 days post infection. At 9 days post infection, TLR2–/– and TLR2–/–×TLR4d/d mice produced cyto‐ and chemokines as efficiently as wild‐type mice, indicating that the involvement of TLR in inflammation varies over time. All TLR2–/–×TLR4d/d mice succumbed to the infection, while about 50% of TLR2–/– mice died. Taken together, the function of TLR2 and TLR4 is required to survive pulmonary infection with C. pneumoniae.
An Efficient Synthesis of Achiral and Chiral Cyclic Dehydro‐α‐Amino Acid Derivatives Through Nucleophilic Addition of Amines to β,γ‐Unsaturatedα‐Keto Esters
Authors: Palacios Francisco , Vicario Javier , Aparicio Domitila
Published: April 2006

A very simple and efficient synthesis of 3‐amino‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐ones is reported. These cyclic dehydro‐amino acid derivatives with a stereogenic center at the 5‐position were obtained by the addition of two equivalents of amine to β,γ‐unsaturated keto esters. These cyclic enamines can also be obtained by the three‐component reaction of ethyl pyruvate, amines and aldehydes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
The Underestimated Role of Counter Ions in Electrostatic Self‐Assembly:[1+1] Cavitand‐Calix[4]arene Capsules Based on Azinium–Sulfonate Interactions
Authors: Oshovsky Gennady V. , Reinhoudt David N. , Verboom Willem
Published: April 2006

The apparent Ka values of the formation of [1+1] cavitand‐calix[4]arene capsules, based on azinium–sulfonate electrostatic interactions, obtained by direct titration experiments are concentration dependent due to the influence of the interaction of the charged capsule components with their initial counterions. 1H NMR and UV dilution experiments, in which this ion‐pairing is excluded, gave Ka‐values larger than 2·106 M–1 in methanol and methanol/water (1:1) for the capsule formation. The capsule encapsulates small guests like methanol, ethanol, etc., as proven by ESI‐MS. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Disposable Screen‐Printed Edge Band Ultramicroelectrodes for the Determination of Trace Amounts of Nitrite Ion
Authors: Chang Jen‐Lin , Zen Jyh‐Myng
Published: April 2006

The application of linear scan voltammetry for sensitive determination of nitrite by using a disposable screen‐printed edge band carbon ultramicroelectrode (designated as SPUME) was reported in this study. The measurement with the SPUME can be performed in solutions of low ionic strength, e.g., natural waters, because the ohmic loses are negligible. The limiting oxidation current of nitrite showed a wide linear range up to 3 mM at the SPUME. A relative standard deviation of 2.46% (n=5) for analyzing 5 μM nitrite indicated a detection limit (S/N=3) of 0.38 μM. Real sample analysis of mineral and ground water samples as well as bratwurst food product showed satisfactory results. Since the SPUME is low cost and easy for mass production, the disposable nature further offers to application in diverse field of electroanalytical chemistry.