bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oesophageal basaloid squamous cell carcinoma: a unique clinicopathological entity with telomerase activity as a prognostic indicator
Authors: Lam King Y. , Law Simon , Luk John M. , Wong John
Published: August 2002

Oesophageal basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is uncommon and has been reported to have a worse prognosis than squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), but this tumour has not been fully characterized. The aim of the present study was to analyse the clinicopathological features of a large cohort of patients with oesophageal BSCC treated at a single institution. The pathology of 756 primary oesophageal cancers treated between January 1989 and December 1998 was reviewed. Tumours that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of BSCC were identified and were compared with SCC. Their expression of MIB‐1, DNA ploidy, and telomerase activity were also studied. Thirty Chinese patients (25 men and five women) with BSCC were found, comprising 4% of patients with oesophageal cancer treated by surgical resection in the study period. Their median age was 67 years (range 40–78 years). Dysphagia was usually the main presenting symptom. Other concomitant malignant tumours were seen in three patients and paraneoplastic glomerulopathy in one. Five tumours were located in the upper third, 19 in the middle third, and six in the lower third. The median length was 5.8 cm (range 2–12 cm). The median MIB‐1 score of BSCC was 750 (range 400–858) and was higher than that of SCC (p=0.003). The primary tumour and metastatic BSCC were aneuploid, as detected by flow cytometric analysis in nine patients. Telomerase activity was positive in 95% (19 out of 20) of the cases analysed. The 5‐year survival of patients with BSCC was 12%. Distant metastases were seen in 53% (n=16); lung and liver were the most common sites. The median survival of patients with tumours which had a high level of telomerase activity was significantly shorter than those with low levels of telomerase activity (1 vs. 27 months) (p=0.001). The median survival of patients with BSCC and SCC was 26 and 16 months, respectively (p=0.3). In conclusion, BSCC has distinctive clinicopathological features and its long‐term prognosis is no worse than SCC. The level of telomerase activity may have a prognostic role. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel colorimetric assay and activity staining for cytokinin oxidase based on the copper amine oxidase property of the enzyme
Authors: Kulkarni Mahesh J. , Theerthaprasad D. , Sudharshana L. , Prasad T. G. , Sashidhar V. R.
Published: August 2002

A rapid and sensitive colorimetric assay for cytokinin oxidase (CKO) was developed based on the copper amine oxidase property of the enzyme from cucumber cotyledons. The assay involved oxidation of isopentenyl adenine by CKO in the presence of phenazine methosulphate as an electron acceptor, resulting in reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium to formazon. The formation of formazon was linear with time for at least 20 min and could be followed spectrophotometrically at A490. CKO could also be specifically stained on polyacrylamide gels using the same principle. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal RHD gene determination and dosage analysis by PCR: clinical evaluation
Authors: Chan F.‐Y. , Cowley N. M. , Wolter L. , Stone M. , Carmody F. , Saul A. , Hyland C. A.
Published: August 2002

Background

— Use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of the RHD gene can measure the RHD gene status for unborn babies at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). The occurrence of D gene variants has led to errors in prenatal typing. Previous reports have highlighted the danger of assigning a positive fetus as negative, resulting in intrauterine fetal deaths.

Objective

— To evaluate the effectiveness of a testing strategy whereby PCR was not only performed to determine the presence/absence of the RHD gene, but also used to assess the D gene copy number (zero, one or two RHD genes) in family studies for at risk pregnancies.

Methods

— Samples comprising maternal (57) and paternal (42) peripheral blood samples, amniotic fluid (64), and matching cord blood (64) were collected. Rhesus (Rh) serotyping was performed on all blood samples. For RHD genotyping, DNA was extracted from all samples except for 28 cord samples, where only serotyping was performed (total 199 DNA genotyping). RHD gene PCR amplified exon 4 and exon 7 regions of the RHD gene. The dosage of RHD gene was determined by comparing the intensity of the RHD gene to that of the RHCE gene.

Results

— A total of 197/199 samples showed concordance between exon 4 and exon 7 PCR results. Two discrepant results occurred in one family: the father carried one normal D gene and one D gene variant where PCR was tested to be positive using exon 4 but negative using exon 7. One of a pair of dizygotic twins inherited this abnormal D gene and was mildly affected by HDN. This was correctly identified antenatally and the pregnancy successfully managed. The concordance rate between serotypes and genotypes for 135 blood samples was 100%. Amongst the family groups, 8/14 heterozygous fathers transmitted the D gene and 26/26 homozygous fathers transmitted the D gene to the babies. The concordance rate between RHD genotypes from amniotic fluid and Rh D serotypes from cord blood was also 100%.

Conclusion

— The present study demonstrates the effectiveness of using PCR in a clinical setting. It verifies the importance of testing more than one region of the gene, and also the need for a testing strategy where both maternal and paternal testing for RHD gene dosages are performed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of diet and fenofibrate on lipid and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sinha Ravi , Ismail Aziz , Herbert Sarah , Hoyte Ruth , Gill Geoff
Published: August 2002

The effect of dietetic advice on hyperlipidaemia in type 2 diabetic patients is uncertain. We have investigated this modality of treatment in 50 type 2 diabetic patients (24 female), mean (±SD) age 54±4 years and diabetes duration 5±4 years. All had a random plasma total cholesterol concentration of >6.5 mmol/L (mean 7.5±0.7 mmol/L). Three months after dietetic intervention, cholesterol fell to 7.1±1.1 (p=0.049), but triglycerides, LDL‐cholesterol and HDL‐cholesterol were unchanged, as were HbA1c and body mass index (BMI). Thirteen (26%) patients reduced total cholesterol levels to <6.5 mmol/L on dietary treatment (‘diet responders’). In this group there were significant improvements in total cholesterol (6.9±0.3 versus 5.9±0.6, p=0.03) and LDL‐cholesterol (4.8±0.5 versus 4.1±0.5, p=0.003). This group had lower baseline total cholesterol levels than ‘diet non‐responders’. Multiple regression analysis revealed no association between diet response and baseline levels of HbA1c, BMI, age, sex, diabetes duration or compliance with dietetic advice. After two years of follow‐up only four of these 13 ‘diet responders’ had cholesterol levels<6.5 mmol/L without drug treatment. ‘Diet non‐responders’ at 3 months were treated with fenofibrate, which resulted in significant improvements in total cholesterol (7.6±0.9 before versus 6.8±1.1 after, p=0.012), LDL‐cholesterol (5.2±0.8 before versus 4.6±0.8 after, p=0.019) and triglycerides (3.7±2.7 before versus 2.7±1.4 after, p=0.008). HDL cholesterol rose (1.0±0.3 before versus 1.1±0.3 after, p=0.048), and HbA1c also fell from 7.5±1.9 to 6.9±1.8 (p=0.024) on fenofibrate treatment. We conclude that dietary treatment of dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes is effective only in a minority of patients, who are characterised by milder degrees of hypercholesterolaemia. Fenofibrate however was effective in improving dyslipidaemia, and was also associated with a reduction in HbA1c. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination of 8‐aminoquinoline nickel dichloride and Cp2ZrCl2 catalysts for ethylene polymerization
Authors: Li Zilong , Zhu Ning , Sun Wen‐Hua , Shao Changxing , Ke Yucai , Hu Youliang , He Jiasong
Published: August 2002

Polyethylene has been modified and synthesized in situ by a combination of Cp2ZrCl2 and 8‐aminoquinoline nickel dichloride catalysts with methylaluminoxane co‐catalyst. The results indicate that the crystallinity and Tm of polyethylene both decrease with increasing Ni/Zr mol ratio when the Ni catalyst is added first. Oligomers formed by 8‐aminoquinoline nickel dichloride within a certain Ni/Zr mol ratio could be completely converted into polymer. Three methods used to introduce catalysts to the reaction system resulted in different products. Polyethylene with the lowest melting point, crystallinity and the highest degree of branching resulted when the Zr catalyst was added after that of the Ni compound.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and nonlinear properties of poly[1,4‐bis(4‐alkylpyridinium)butadiyne triflate]
Authors: Iwase Yoichiro , Kondo Koichi , Kamada Kenji , Ohta Koji
Published: August 2002

1,4‐Bis(4‐alkylpyridinium)butadiyne triflate (2a and 2b) that was prepared by the reaction of 1,4‐bis(4‐pyridyl)butadiyne (1) with alkyl trifluoro‐methanesulfonate, was found to grow into a large crystal as a result of the quaternized structure. The thermal treatment of 2a and 2b gave rise to 1,4‐addition polymerization to yield the polydiacetylene. The third‐order nonlinear optical susceptibility [χ(3)] of the polymer was determined by the femto‐second Z‐scan method to exhibit the remarkable high value of 1.1 × 10−11 esu at 650 nm. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 3686–3691, 2001
Synthesis and polymerization of new styryl and methacryloyl monomers containing acidic saccharide moieties
Authors: Shimura Yoshiaki , Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Yamanaka Chiaki , Setojima Daisuke
Published: August 2002

New styryl‐type water‐insoluble and methacryloyl‐type water‐soluble monomers, N‐(p‐vinylbenzyl)‐1,2‐O‐isopropylidene‐6‐D‐glucofuranuronamide and N‐(2‐methacryloylamino)ethyl‐1,2‐O‐isopropylidene‐6‐D‐glucofuranuronamide, were synthesized from the most common acidic saccharide, D‐glucuronic acid. Their radical homopolymerizations and copolymerizations with styrene and acrylamide were tried under various conditions. The isopropylidene groups in the resulting polymers were removed in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and water (2/1 v/v) to give the corresponding polymers with many pendant D‐glucopyranuronyl groups with reactive reducing groups. The pendant reducing ends may be useful as potential binding sites under a hydrophilic atmosphere. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 3893–3901, 2001
Synthesis and characterization of end‐functionalized carbosiloxane dendrimers
Authors: Kim Chungkyun , Kim Hyojeong
Published: August 2002

Dendritic carbosilanes containing 48 and 96 functional groups on the periphery were prepared. The reaction of the fourth and fifth parent dendritic generations (G4‐48Cl and G5‐96Cl) with alcohol [9‐anthracene methanol, 8‐hydroxyquinoline, 4‐hydroxyazobenzene, 2‐hydroxymethylanthraquinone, and 5‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐4‐methylthiazole] in the presence of 1,1,2,2‐tetramethylethyenediamine produced end‐functionalized dendrimers with very high yields. The polydispersity indices of the prepared dendrimers revealed unchanged narrow values between the fourth and fifth generations. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 326–333, 2002
Synthesis of novel poly(meth)acrylates containing tetracyanocyclopropyl groups as piezoelectric chromophores and their properties
Authors: Lee Ju‐Yeon , Kang Tae‐Sun , Park Eun‐Ju
Published: August 2002

p‐(2,2,3,3‐Tetracyanocyclopropyl)phenoxyethyl acrylate (5a) and p‐(2,2,3‐tetracyanocyclopropyl)phenoxyethyl methacrylate (5b) were prepared by the reactions of bromomalononitrile with p‐(2‐acryloyloxyethoxy)benzylidenemalononitrile and p‐(2‐methacryloyloxyethoxy)benzylidenemalononitrile, respectively. Monomers 5a and 5b were polymerized with free‐radical initiators to obtain polymers with multicyanocyclopropane functionalities in the pendant group. The resulting polymers were soluble in acetone, and the inherent viscosities were 0.25–0.30 dL/g. Solution‐cast films showed thermal stability up to 300 °C with glass‐transition temperatures of 140–156 °C. The dipole moments of 5a and 5b, calculated by the atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital method, were 7.58–7.30 D. Piezoelectric coefficients (d31) of the poled polymer films were 1.8–1.9 pC/N, acceptable values for piezoelectric device applications. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 379–384, 2002
Synthesis and properties of soluble and light‐colored poly(amide‐imide‐imide)s on the basis of tetraimide‐dicarboxylic acid condensed from 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride, 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane, and m‐aminobenzoic acid, and various aromatic diamines
Authors: Yang Chin‐Ping , Chen Ruei‐Shin , Wei Chi‐Shu
Published: August 2002

A new type of tetraimide‐dicarboxylic acid (I) was synthesized starting from the ring‐opening addition of m‐aminobenzoic acid, 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride, and 2,2‐bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane at a 2:2:1 molar ratio in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), followed by cyclodehydration to the diacid I. A series of soluble and light‐colored poly(amide‐imide‐imide)s (IIIa–j) was prepared by triphenyl phosphite‐activated polycondensation from I with various aromatic diamines (IIa–j). All films cast from N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) had cutoff wavelengths shorter than 390 nm (374–390 nm) and b* values between 25.26 and 43.61; these polymers were much lighter in color than the alternating trimellitimide series. All of the polymers were readily soluble in a variety of organic solvents such as NMP, DMAc, N,N‐dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and even in less polar m‐cresol and pyridine. Polymers IIIa–j afforded tough, transparent, and flexible films that had tensile strengths ranging from 96 to 118 MPa, elongations at break from 9 to 11%, and initial moduli from 2.0 to 2.5 GPa. The glass‐transition temperatures of the polymers were recorded at 240–268 °C. They had 10% weight loss at a temperature above 540 °C and left more than 55% residue even at 800 °C in nitrogen. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 707–718, 2002; DOI 10.1002/pola.10153
Polymerization of phenylacetylene by iridium catalysts
Authors: Kanki Keiji , Misumi Yoshihiko , Masuda Toshio
Published: August 2002

Polymerization of phenylacetylene (PA) with [(cod)IrCl]2‐based catalysts (cod: 1,5‐cyclooctadiene) was examined. The [(cod)IrCl]2/n‐BuLi and [(cod)IrCl]2/Ph2CC(Ph)Li systems induced the polymerization of PA to produce polymers with a number‐average molecular weight (Mn) of around several thousand in rather low yields. On the other hand, the catalyst composed of [(cod)IrCl]2, norbornadiene (nbd), Ph3P, and Ph2CC(Ph)Li (molar ratio of 1:1:1.1:2) produced polymer in a high yield (ca. 80%) in toluene at 0 °C. The resulting polymer showed a bimodal gel permeation chromatographic profile (Mn = 209,000 and 4300; ratio: 81/19). On the basis of these findings, the presence of two active species, that is, Ir complexes with nbd and cod, are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1075–1080, 2002
Radical copolymerization behavior of a highly fluorinated cyclic olefin with vinyl ether
Authors: Nishida Shozo , Nishida Haruo , Endo Takeshi
Published: August 2002

The copolymerization of a highly fluorinated cyclic monomer, octafluorocyclopentene (OFCPE, M1), with ethyl vinyl ether (EVE, M2) was investigated with a radical initiator in bulk. Despite the poor homopolymerizability of each monomer, the copolymerization proceeded successfully, and the molecular weights of the copolymers reached up to more than 10,000. Incorporation of the OFCPE units into the copolymer led to an increase in the glass‐transition point. The copolymer composition was determined from 1H NMR spectra and elemental analysis data. The molar fraction of the OFCPE unit in the copolymer increased and approached but did not exceed 0.5. The monomer reactivity ratios were estimated by the Yamada–Itahashi–Otsu nonlinear least‐squares procedure as r1,OFCPE = −0.008 ± 0.010 and r2,EVE = 0.192 ± 0.015. The reactivity ratios clearly suggest that the copolymerization proceeds alternatively in the case of an excessive feed of OFCPE. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1151–1156, 2002
Preparation of water‐soluble, syndiotacticity‐rich, low molecular weight poly(vinyl alcohol) microfibrils in high yields with the low‐temperature polymerization of vinyl pivalate in tetrahydrofuran and saponification
Authors: Yeum Jeong Hyun , Ji Byung Chul , Lee Chul Joo , Lee Ji Youl , Lee Sang‐Seob , Kim Sam Soo , Kim Joon Ho , Lyoo Won Seok
Published: August 2002

To prepare water‐soluble, syndiotacticity‐rich poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microfibrils for various industrial applications, we synthesized syndiotacticity‐rich, low molecular weight PVA by the solution polymerization of vinyl pivalate (VPi) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at low temperatures with 2,2′‐azobis(2,4‐dimethylvaleronitrile) (ADMVN) as an initiator and successive saponification of poly(vinyl pivalate) (PVPi). Effects of the initiator and monomer concentrations and the polymerization temperature were investigated in terms of the polymerization behaviors and molecular structures of PVPi and the corresponding syndiotacticity‐rich PVA. The polymerization rate of VPi in THF was proportional to the 0.91 power of the ADMVN concentration, indicating the heterogeneous nature of THF polymerization. The low‐temperature solution polymerization of VPi in THF with ADMVN proved to be successful in obtaining water‐soluble PVA with a number‐average degree of polymerization (Pn) of 300–900, a syndiotactic dyad content of 60–63%, and an ultimate conversion of VPi into PVPi of over 75%. Despite the low molecular weight of PVA with Pn = 800, water‐soluble PVA microfibrillar fibers were prepared because of the high level of syndiotacticity. In contrast, for PVA with Pn = 330, shapeless and globular morphologies were observed, indicating that molecular weight has an important role in the in situ fibrillation of syndiotacticity‐rich PVA. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1103–1111, 2002
Synthesis of biodegradable amphiphilic AB‐type diblock copolymers of lactide and depsipeptide with pendant reactive groups
Authors: Ouchi Tatsuro , Miyazaki Hidetake , Arimura Hidetoshi , Tasaka Fumitaka , Hamada Atsushi , Ohya Yuichi
Published: August 2002

The syntheses of amphiphilic AB‐type diblock copolymers composed of hydrophobic polylactide segment and hydrophilic polydepsipeptide segment with amino or carboxyl groups were performed. The protected cyclodepsipeptides cyclo[Glc‐Lys(Z)] and cyclo[Glc‐Asp(OBzl)] (where Glc is glycolic acid, Lys is lysine, Asp is aspartic acid, Z is benzyloxycarbonyl, and OBzl is benzyl) were first polymerized in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with potassium ethoxide as an initiator to obtain the corresponding protected polydepsipeptides. After the terminal hydroxyl groups of the protected polydepsipeptides were converted into the potassium alcoholates with K/naphthalene, L‐lactide was polymerized in the presence of the corresponding polymeric alcoholates as macroinitiators in THF to obtain poly[Glc‐Lys(Z)]‐block‐poly(L‐lactide) and poly[Glc‐Asp(OBzl)]‐block‐poly(L‐lactide). Subsequent deprotection of Z and OBzl groups gave the objective amphiphiles poly(Glc‐Lys)‐block‐poly(L‐lactide) and poly(Glc‐Asp)‐block‐poly(L‐lactide), respectively. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1218–1225, 2002
Application of ketenes to well‐defined polyester synthesis. III. Living anionic polymerization of ethyl(4‐methoxyphenyl)ketene—Development of polyester having masked phenol side chain
Authors: Sudo Atsushi , Uchino Satoshi , Endo Takeshi
Published: August 2002

A novel ketene, ethyl(4‐methoxyphenyl)ketene (EMPK), was synthesized by the dehydrochlorination of 2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)butanoyl chloride. The anionic polymerizations of EMPK by butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran at −20 °C were carried out with a varying feed ratio to give the corresponding polyesters having predictable molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions, quantitatively. The selective formation of the polyester was confirmed by IR analysis, and the reductive degradation of the polymer was supported by lithium–aluminium hydride. The second feed of the monomer (after the first stage of polymerization) resulted in the formation of the polymer with the expectedly increased molecular weight and low polydispersity to strongly support the living mechanism of this polymerization. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1596–1600, 2001
Structures and thermal properties of chitosan‐modified poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Don Trong‐Ming , Hsu Shih‐Chang , Chiu Wen‐Yen
Published: August 2002

The emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of chitosan with potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator was examined in a previous article. The free radicals that dissociated from KPS not only initiated the polymerization but also degraded the chitosan molecules. Therefore, in addition to its role as a cationic surfactant, chitosan also participated in the polymerization reaction. When the polymerization was complete, the latex polymer consisted of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) homopolymer and chitosan–PMMA copolymer. In this article, the structures and thermal properties of latex polymers are examined. Gel permeation chromatography was used to measure the molecular weight of the PMMA homopolymer, with the copolymer composition determined by an elemental analyzer. Scanning and transmission electronic microscopes were used to measure the size of latex particles from different reaction systems. The surface charges of latex particles at several different pH values were determined by the measurement of the ζ potential. All results agreed with the reaction mechanism proposed in the previous article. Finally, the presence of rigid chitosan increased the glass‐transition temperature of the final latex polymers. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the degradation behavior of latex polymers was similar to the unzipping mechanism of PMMA, yet the presence of chitosan units hindered the unzipping of the main chains in chitosan–PMMA copolymers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1646–1655, 2001
Cationic grafting of olefins from PVC: The effect of reaction conditions
Authors: Pi Zhengjie , Kennedy J. P.
Published: August 2002

The cationic grafting of isobutylene, styrene, α‐methylstyrene, and β‐pinene from a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) backbone was investigated. Grafting‐from was induced by Et2AlCl in 1,2‐dichloroethane and methylene dichloride solutions from 20 to −70 °C. The effects of temperature and proton trap [2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine (DtBP)] on grafting‐from efficiency (Geff), extent of grafting, branch length (molecular weight), and number of branches per PVC molecule were determined. Reducing the temperature invariably increased the Geff and the molecular weight of polyisobutylene, polystyrene, poly(α‐methylstyrene), and poly(β‐pinene) branches attached to PVC. The magnitude of the effects was different with the various olefins and depended on the reaction conditions. The effect of DtBP was examined in the 5 × 10−4–4 × 10−3 mol/L range. By increasing the DtBP concentration the Geff increased; however, the number‐average molecular weight of the grafted branches decreased. The lengths of the grafted branches can be controlled, and Geff's close to 100% were obtained. The fact that the proton trap reduced the molecular weights of grafted branches suggests that besides proton scavenging, DtBP may also abstract protons from the growing carbenium ion site. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1675–1680, 2001
Nuclear magnetic relaxation in polyolefin resins
Authors: Doolan K. R.
Published: August 2002

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin–lattice relaxation times (T1) in various polyethylene and polypropylene resins were measured at 20 MHz and at temperatures of 130–490 K. At each temperature and for all resins, only a single value of T1 was found, which was consistent with the occurrence of rapid spin diffusion throughout the protons attached to the polymer chains. The data were analyzed for the estimation of activation energies corresponding to molecular motion causing spin–lattice relaxation. Two well‐defined minima were found for loge(T1) plotted as a function of temperature for all of the polypropylene resins. Single very broad minima were found for all of the polyethylene samples. In contrast, the free induction decay signals from all of the resins following single radio‐frequency pulses were observed to contain a rapidly decaying component followed by a much more slowly decaying signal. These components were used to estimate the amount of rigid component present in the solid resins at room temperature. Samples of one high‐density polyethylene and one low‐density polyethylene were irradiated with γ radiation up to a 500‐kGy dose to examine the effects of crosslinking on the NMR relaxation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 572–584, 2002; DOI 10.1002/polb.10116
Rheology of polystyrene solutions around the coil overlapping concentration: A phenomenological description of stresses in simple shear flow
Authors: Osaki K. , Inoue T. , Uematsu T. , Yamashita Y.
Published: August 2002

Linear viscoelasticity behavior is described with the sum of two terms for polystyrene solutions in tricresyl phosphate around the coil overlapping concentration (K. Osaki, T. Inoue, & T. Uematsu, J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 2001, 39, 211). One is a Rouse–Zimm (RZ) term represented by the Zimm theory with arbitrarily chosen values of the hydrodynamic interaction parameter and the longest relaxation time (τRZ). The other (the L term) consists of a relaxation mode with a single relaxation time (τL > τRZ) and a high‐frequency limiting modulus proportional to the square of the concentration. In this study, we describe the viscosity (η) and first normal stress coefficient (Ψ1) in steady shear with simple formulas. The stress due to the L term is assumed to be given by a Kaye, Bernstein, Kearsley, and Zapas (K‐BKZ) equation with the damping function h(γ) = (1 + 0.2γ2)−1/2, where γ is the magnitude of shear. Contributions to η and Ψ1 from the RZ term are derived from the RZ model, in which the relaxation time in steady flow is given by τst = τ + (τRZ − τ)/(1 + 0.35τRZ γ˙) instead of τRZ. Here, γ˙ is the rate of shear, and τ is the τRZ value at the infinite dilution limit. η and Ψ1 at various concentrations for two polystyrene samples (with molecular weights of 2890 and 8420 kg mol−1) are well described with parameters derived from dynamic viscoelasticity. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1038–1045, 2002
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a (MEN2a): a call for psycho‐social research
Authors: Giarelli Ellen
Published: August 2002

This paper summarizes what is known about the diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐care of people with the inherited disorder multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a (MEN2a). Several databases were searched throughout the year 2000, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, CancerLit, PsychINFO, and Dissertation Abstracts International. MEN2a is a complex disease involving cancer care and control by surgery, health maintenance, and life‐long observation of gene mutation carriers. Genetic testing is the standard of care, prophylactic surgery is recommended during directive counseling, and life‐long surveillance is encouraged for people with MEN2a. A substantial body of scientific literature describes morbidity and mortality outcomes of disease treatment, and the monitoring of multiple organ systems. Research is scant concerning the psychological consequences and social impact of the MEN2a diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up. Nearly all that is known from a psycho‐social perspective comes from data in The Netherlands. Little is known of the psychological responses to and social consequences of genetic predisposition testing, prophylactic and curative surgery, and life‐long surveillance. Psycho‐social research is essential to provide comprehensive care for patients and family members with this disorder and it is necessary to guide the development of risk management strategies for patients with this inherited cancer syndrome. Since MEN2a has been labeled a prototype for medical genetics, information on MEN2a patient experiences may be relevant to the care of individuals with other inherited cancer syndromes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respiratory diseases in the first year of life in children born to HIV‐1‐infected women*
Authors: Kattan Meyer , Platzker Arnold , Mellins Robert B. , Schluchter Mark D. , Chen Xin C. , Peavy Hannah , Steinbach Suzanne , Wohl Mary Ellen , Hiatt Peter , Hunter Janice , Colin Andrew A.
Published: August 2002

Our objective was to describe the respiratory complications, clinical findings, and chest radiographic changes in the first year of life in infected and uninfected children born to HIV‐1‐infected women. We prospectively followed a cohort of 600 infants born to HIV‐1‐infected women from birth to 12 months in a multicenter study. Of these, 93 infants (15.5%) were HIV‐1‐infected, 463 were uninfected, and 44 were of unknown status prior to death or loss to follow‐up.

The cumulative incidence ( ± SE) of an initial pneumonia episode at 12 months was 24.1 ± 4.7% in HIV‐1‐infected children compared to 1.4 ± 0.6% in HIV‐1‐uninfected children (P < 0.001). The rate of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) was 9.5 per 100 child‐years. The HIV‐1 RNA load was not higher in the group that developed pneumonia in the first year vs. those who did not. Children who developed lower respiratory tract infections or PCP had increased rates of decline of CD4 cell counts during the first 6 months of life. Lower maternal CD4 cell counts were associated with higher rates of pneumonia, and upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The rates of upper respiratory tract infection and bronchiolitis/reactive airway disease in infected children were not significantly different than in uninfected children. At 12 months, significantly more HIV‐1‐infected than uninfected children had tachypnea and chest radiographs with nodular and reticular densities. There was no relationship between cytomegalo virus infection in the first year of life and radiographic changes or occurrences of pneumonia.

In conclusion, despite a low incidence of PCP, rates of pneumonia remain high in HIV‐infected children in the first year of life. The incidence of pneumonia in uninfected infants born to HIV‐1‐infected mothers is low. Chest X‐ray abnormalities and tachypnea suggest that subacute disease is present in infected infants. Further follow‐up is warranted to determine its nature. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 31:267–276. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary artery occlusion from tuberculous lymphadenopathy in a child
Authors: Equi Amanda , Redington Andrew , Rosenthal Mark , Taylor G. Michael , Jaswon Mervyn , Bush Andrew
Published: August 2002

Occlusion of the pulmonary artery is a rare complication of mediastinal tuberculosis. We report on a 10‐year‐old girl who presented with a tuberculous pericardial effusion in whom subsequent imaging showed a totally occluded right pulmonary artery from tuberculous lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction from a lymph node biopsy. Failure of medical therapy necessitated surgical reconstruction of her right pulmonary artery. Postoperatively she has normal perfusion of the right lung and normal lung function. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 31:311–313. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transition programs in cystic fibrosis centers: Perceptions of pediatric and adult program directors
Authors: Flume Patrick A. , Anderson Deborah L. , Hardy Kristina K. , Gray Sue
Published: August 2002

There is a growing population of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) and a need for development of adult CF programs. Recommendations for transfer of patients to an adult program include a transition program. Our goal was to assess the current status of transition programs in US CF centers. In addition, we sought to determine the problems related to the transfer of patients to adult programs as perceived by CF center program directors.

A survey was sent in 1998 to 110 pediatric and 44 adult program directors at CF centers approved by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), with a response rate of 65.5% and 72.7%, respectively: 22.2% of pediatric centers reported having a non‐CFF‐approved adult program, and 38.9% had no specific adult program. About one fifth of pediatric centers cited lack of an adult CF physician as an impediment to establishing an adult program. Age (82% of programs; mean, 18.5 years), but not marriage (17.1%) or pregnancy (24.8%), was used as a criterion for transfer. Criteria precluding transfer included patient/family resistance (51.4%), disease severity (50.5%), and developmental delay (46.7%). The concept of transfer is introduced to the patient and family at the time of diagnosis in a minority (14%) of programs. Over one half of the patients did not meet the adult team until the time of transfer. Pediatricians reported higher perceived parent, patient, pediatric staff, and adult staff concerns about transition issues than did adult program directors.

We conclude that there is a lack of standardized programs for transfer of CF patients from a pediatric to an adult care setting, and that there are differences between pediatric and adult program directors' perceptions of concerns that CF patients, their families, and the medical teams have about transfer. These differences may impede the successful transition of patients into an adult program. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 31:443–450. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene expression signature of benign prostatic hyperplasia revealed by cDNA microarray analysis
Authors: Luo Jun , Dunn Thomas , Ewing Charles , Sauvageot Jurga , Chen Yidong , Trent Jeffrey , Isaacs William
Published: August 2002

BACKGROUND

Despite the high prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the aging male, little is known regarding the etiology of this disease. A better understanding of the molecular etiology of BPH would be facilitated by a comprehensive analysis of gene expression patterns that are characteristic of benign growth in the prostate gland. Since genes differentially expressed between BPH and normal prostate tissues are likely to reflect underlying pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of BPH, we performed comparative gene expression analysis using cDNA microarray technology to identify candidate genes associated with BPH.

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from a set of 9 BPH specimens from men with extensive hyperplasia and a set of 12 histologically normal prostate tissues excised from radical prostatectomy specimens. Each of these 21 RNA samples was labeled with Cy3 in a reverse transcription reaction and cohybridized with a Cy5 labeled common reference sample to a cDNA microarray containing 6,500 human genes. Normalized fluorescent intensity ratios from each hybridization experiment were extracted to represent the relative mRNA abundance for each gene in each sample. Weighted gene and random permutation analyses were performed to generate a subset of genes with statistically significant differences in expression between BPH and normal prostate tissues. Semi‐quantitative PCR analysis was performed to validate differential expression.

RESULTS

A subset of 76 genes involved in a wide range of cellular functions was identified to be differentially expressed between BPH and normal prostate tissues. Semi‐quantitative PCR was performed on 10 genes and 8 were validated. Genes consistently upregulated in BPH when compared to normal prostate tissues included: a restricted set of growth factors and their binding proteins (e.g. IGF‐1 and ‐2, TGF‐β3, BMP5, latent TGF‐β binding protein 1 and ‐2); hydrolases, proteases, and protease inhibitors (e.g. neuropathy target esterase, MMP2, alpha‐2‐macroglobulin); stress response enzymes (e.g. COX2, GSTM5); and extracellular matrix molecules (e.g. laminin alpha 4 and beta 1, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 2, lumican). Genes consistently expressing less mRNA in BPH than in normal prostate tissues were less commonly observed and included the transcription factor KLF4, thrombospondin 4, nitric oxide synthase 2A, transglutaminase 3, and gastrin releasing peptide.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a diverse set of genes that are potentially related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, including genes both previously implicated in BPH pathogenesis as well as others not previously linked to this disease. Further targeted validation and investigations of these genes at the DNA, mRNA, and protein levels are warranted to determine the clinical relevance and possible therapeutic utility of these genes. Prostate 51: 189–200, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apoptotic activity of doxazosin on prostate stroma in vitro is mediated through an autocrine expression of TGF‐β1
Authors: Ilio Kenneth Y. , Park Irwin I. , Pins Michael R. , Kozlowski James M. , Lee Chung
Published: August 2002

Background

Doxazosin, an alpha‐adrenergic antagonist, has been shown to induce apoptosis in prostatic stromal cells. The mechanism of this apoptotic action by Doxazosin remains undefined. The present study was carried out to demonstrate that the effect of Doxazosin on apoptosis of prostate stromal cells is mediated through an autocrine action of TGF‐β1.

Methods

Primary cultures of human prostate cells were treated with varying concentrations of Doxazosin (0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM) for a period up to 3 days. At the end of the 3‐day culture, cell numbers were counted. Apoptosis was assessed by a colorimetric terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase labeling technique. TGF‐β1 was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Compared to control cultures, cell numbers were significantly decreased as much as 68.4% in cultures treated with 10 μM of Doxazosin after 3 days incubation, while apoptosis increased by 64.7% in cultures treated with the same concentration of Doxazosin after 24 h. This decrease in cell number was reversed when antibody to TGF‐β1 was added to these cultures. Addition of TGF‐β1 (0, 1.0, and 10 ng/mL) to the cultures also decreased the cell numbers. Quantitation of TGF‐β1 in lysates of cells by ELISA revealed that the cells treated with Doxazosin (10 μM) produced as much as 62.5% more TGF‐β1 than in that of untreated cells.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that the apoptotic effect of Doxazosin on human prostatic stromal cells is mediated through an autocrine production of TGF‐β1. Prostate 48:131–135, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methylation and mutational analysis of p27kip1 in prostate carcinoma
Authors: Kibel Adam S. , Christopher Mathew , Faith Dennis A. , Bova G. Steven , Goodfellow Paul J. , Isaacs William B.
Published: August 2002

BACKGROUND

We have previously identified 12p12‐13 as a region of frequent genetic loss in prostate carcinoma. A candidate tumor suppressor gene at this locus is the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1, which has been implicated as a marker of aggressive prostate carcinoma. Herein, we examine metastatic prostate tumors, xenografts, and cell lines for gene inactivation via mutational inactivation or promoter hypermethylation.

METHODS

Mutation analysis was performed on metastatic prostate tumors of 18 patients, eight prostate carcinoma cell lines, and 18 xenografts by PCR amplification of the entire open reading frame of p27kip1. PCR products were sequenced directly using internal primers. Methylation analysis was performed on four cell lines and nine xenografts using direct sequencing of cloned PCR products of bisulfite treated DNA. Presence of a CpG was consistent with methylation of that cytosine in the original sample.

RESULTS

With the exception of the previously reported homozygous deletion, no additional mutations were identified. Methylated CpG residues were identified in three xenografts (LuCAP23, LuCAP35, and PC82) and the methylated residues clustered at six sites; the cytosines 69, 149, 191, 286, 349, and 487 base pairs 5′ of the ATG start codon. However, no sample demonstrated promotor methylation in all sequenced clones and the number of methylated base pairs ranged from seven to three, not the level usually associated with gene silencing.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutational inactivation of p27kip1 is a rare event in metastatic prostate carcinoma. While CpG methylation does occur, it is an infrequent event and does not appear to be the mechanism of p27kip1 down regulation in prostate carcinoma. Prostate 48:248–253, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
2.8‐Å crystal structure of a nontoxic type‐II ribosome‐inactivating protein, ebulin l
Authors: Pascal John M. , Day Philip J. , Monzingo Arthur F. , Ernst Stephen R. , Robertus Jon D. , Iglesias Rosario , Pérez Yolanda , Férreras Jose Miguel , Citores Lucia , Girbés Tomás
Published: August 2002

Ebulin l is a type‐II ribosome‐inactivating protein (RIP) isolated from the leaves of Sambucus ebulus L. As with other type‐II RIP, ebulin is a disulfide‐linked heterodimer composed of a toxic A chain and a galactoside‐specific lectin B chain. A normal level of ribosome‐inactivating N‐glycosidase activity, characteristic of the A chain of type‐II RIP, has been demonstrated for ebulin l. However, ebulin is considered a nontoxic type‐II RIP due to a reduced cytotoxicity on whole cells and animals as compared with other toxic type‐II RIP like ricin. The molecular cloning, amino acid sequence, and the crystal structure of ebulin l are presented and compared with ricin. Ebulin l is shown to bind an A‐chain substrate analogue, pteroic acid, in the same manner as ricin. The galactoside‐binding ability of ebulin l is demonstrated crystallographically with a complex of the B chain with galactose and with lactose. The negligible cytotoxicity of ebulin l is apparently due to a reduced affinity for galactosides. An altered mode of galactoside binding in the 2γ subdomain of the lectin B chain primarily causes the reduced affinity. Proteins 2001;43:319–326. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seismic isolation of civil buildings in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Zhou Fu Lin
Published: August 2002

Buildings designed with traditional anti‐seismic systems are susceptible to damage by certain levels of earthquake activity, and may be seriously damaged or collapsed by unpredicted earthquakes. More and more un‐expectedly strong earthquakes represent a severe threat to human life and safety. The people urgently demand buildings that are guaranteed safe in strong earthquakes. Seismic isolation provides a new way to satisfy this human need. About 450 buildings with seismic isolation had been built in China up to the end of 2000. The safety level of buildings with seismic isolation is increased by a factor of 2–8, but building cost are 3–15% lower for general civil buildings. Wide application of seismic isolation of civil buildings has become a strong tendency in China and other countries. This paper briefly introduces recent research, applications and developments in seismic isolation of civil buildings in China, including, different isolation systems and different design levels, a series of tests and research projects, design codes and analysis programs, a summary of application status and examples, with discussion of some problems in the future development of seismic isolation of buildings.
Design criteria for unified strut and tie models
Authors: Su R K L , Chandler A M
Published: August 2002

In the past two decades, the concept of strut and tie models (STM) has been used as one of the most popular and rational approaches for the design of non‐flexural members of reinforced concrete structures. Design guidelines based mainly on technology from past decades are given in many national codes. The review of recent advancement in strut and tie modelling given in this paper enables a new set of design criteria and design tables for the strength of strut, node and bearing to be derived and presented. The design formulae proposed for strut and node in this paper are in the form of the product of two partial safety factors which take into account: (i) the orientation of the strut–tie; (ii) the brittle effects as the strength of concrete increases; (iii) the strain state of both concrete and steel; and (iv) the stress state of the node boundary. The design values proposed for plain concrete with a bearing plate ensure that the node does not crack under service conditions and that it possesses sufficient strength under ultimate load conditions. To enhance the worldwide use of such design tables, both the concrete cylinder strength and the concrete cube strength have been used to define the strength of the concrete.
Chemoprotective effect of Ixora coccinea L. flowers on cisplatin induced toxicity in mice
Authors: Latha P. G. , Panikkar K. R.
Published: August 2002

The active fraction from Ixora coccinea flowers prevented a decrease in body weight, haemoglobin levels and leucocyte counts of mice treated with cisplatin. It also significantly prolonged the life span of cisplatin treated mice and maintained their blood urea nitrogen levels in the near normal range, indicating its chemoprotective effects. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial activity of Harungana madagascariensis leaf extracts
Authors: Okoli A. S. , Okeke M. I. , Iroegbu C. U. , Ebo P. U.
Published: August 2002

Aqueous extracts of the leaf of Harungana madagascariensis were analysed phytochemically and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against strains of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids were detected in the plant material. B. subtilis, E. coli and S. typhi, but not Ps. aeruginosa, showed susceptibility at MICs of 2.0 and 15.6 mg/mL; and MBCs of 2.0–3.9 mg/mL and 15.6–31.3 mg/mL, respectively, for the cold and hot extracts. Staph. aureus showed susceptibility only to the hot extract. Concentrations of 2.5–10.0 mg/mL of the cold extract killed over 7 log10 of the test bacterial population within 30–60 min of exposure. The hot extract needed higher concentrations and longer treatment to achieve similar levels of bacterial cell killing. The results provide a rationalization for the traditional use of H. madagascariensis leaf extracts for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimum cross‐entropy estimation of internally folded densities from Compton profiles
Authors: Antolín J. , Cuchí J. C. , Angulo J. C.
Published: August 2002

The internally folded density or reciprocal form factor B(r) of many‐electron systems is tightly estimated from the knowledge of a small discrete set of values of the Compton profile J(q). In doing so, the minimum cross‐entropy technique is employed. A numerical analysis of the approximations is carried out for the Helium atom. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2002