bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in CYP1A1 and breast carcinoma risk in a population‐based case–control study of Chinese women
Authors: Boyapati Sonia M. , Shu Xiao Ou , Gao Yu‐Tang , Cai Qiuyin , Jin Fan , Zheng Wei
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is involved in the 2‐hydroxylation of estrogen, the hormone that plays a critical role in the etiology of breast carcinoma.

METHODS

The authors evaluated common polymorphisms in the CYP1A1 gene in relation to breast carcinoma risk in a large population‐based case–control study among Chinese women, the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study. Because the CYP1A1*3 and CYP1A1*4 alleles were not detected in the study population, analyses were performed for CYP1A1*2A (T→C transition in the 3′ noncoding region) and CYP1A1*2C (A→G transition in exon 7, resulting in a substitution of Val for Ile) in 1134 patients with breast carcinoma and 1227 controls.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the variant allele were 38.3% and 38.8% among cases and controls (P = 0.91), respectively, for the CYP1A1*2A polymorphism, and 23.1% and 24.8% (P = 0.26) for the CYP1A1*2C polymorphism. Homozygosity for both variant alleles in these 2 polymorphic sites (CYP1A1*2B) was associated with a borderline significant odds ratio (OR) of 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–1.06). The reduced risk was more pronounced among postmenopausal women with long duration (> 30 yrs) of menstruation (OR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19–0.99) or among women with a low waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28–0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the current study suggest that homozygosity for the CYP1A1*2A and CYP1A1*2C alleles in the CYP1A1 gene may be associated with a reduced risk for breast carcinoma, particularly among lean women with long‐term endogenous estrogen exposure. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Neoplastic meningitis in patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Giglio Pierre , Weinberg Jeffrey S. , Forman Arthur D. , Wolff Robert , Groves Morris D.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

Neoplastic meningitis (NM) occurs in 5–10% of patients with malignant disease. Little is known about the outcomes of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies who develop NM. For this report, the authors characterized the clinical course and attempted to identify prognostic factors in patients with NM due to primary malignancies of the GI tract.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 21 patients with GI primary tumors and NM were identified: Their medical records and imaging studies were reviewed.

RESULTS

The patient population was composed of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 8 patients), esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 7 patients), colon and/or rectal adenocarcinoma (n = 5 patients), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 1 patient). The median overall survival after the initial diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was 55 weeks (range, 8–884 wks), and the median survival after the diagnosis of NM was 7 weeks (range, 0–64 wks). Four patients died during palliative radiotherapy. No factors identified had an impact on outcome, including symptoms, physical findings at diagnosis, imaging characteristics, or cerebrospinal fluid findings. Univariate analysis showed a trend toward better outcomes for patients who received any kind of treatment directed toward the NM.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with NM from GI tract adenocarcinomas universally had poor outcomes. Until NM can be diagnosed earlier and/or until more effective therapies are identified, comfort care alone may be a reasonable alternative for some of these unfortunate patients. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Outpatient treatment of low‐risk neutropenic fever in cancer patients using oral moxifloxacin
Authors: Chamilos Georgios , Bamias Aristotle , Efstathiou Eleni , Zorzou Pagona M. , Kastritis Efstathios , Kostis Evagelos , Papadimitriou Christos , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

Oral‐based antibiotic therapy is the standard of care in the management of cancer patients with low‐risk neutropenic fever. Nevertheless, to the authors' knowledge, the best antibiotic regimen and the feasibility of ambulatory treatment have not been clearly defined.

METHODS

The authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin as outpatient treatment in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia who were selected according to the recently proposed Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) risk assessment model. Moxifloxacin was given at a dose of 400 mg orally once daily.

RESULTS

Fifty‐four patients with solid and hematologic malignancies, the majority of whom (84%) had advanced disease, were included in the current study. The median neutrophil count at the time of study entry was 340/mm3 (range, 20–950/mm3) and the median duration of neutropenia was 4 days (range, 3–14 days). Of 55 neutropenic episodes, 50 (91%) had a successful outcome with a median time to defervescence of 2 days (range, 1–5 days). A multivariate analysis indicated that severe neutropenia (an absolute neutrophil count of < 100 mm3) was the only independent factor associated with treatment failure (P < 0.04). Moxifloxacin was found to be well tolerated and there were no infectious deaths reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrated that moxifloxacin was a highly effective and safe regimen in the outpatient treatment of cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Increased renal hypertrophy in diabetic mice genetically modified at the haptoglobin locus
Authors: Miller‐Lotan Rachel , Herskowitz Yehuda , Kalet‐Litman Shiri , Nakhoul Farid , Aronson Doron , Zoabi Roaa , Asaf Roy , Ben‐Izhak Ofer , Sabo Edmond , Lim Sai‐Kiang , Baumann Heinz , Berger Franklin G. , Levy Andrew P.
Published: April 2005

Background

The human haptoglobin (Hp) gene is polymorphic with two functional classes of alleles, denoted 1 and 2. We have demonstrated in three longitudinal studies and several cross‐sectional studies that the Hp genotype is an independent risk factor for diabetic vascular disease. These studies have presented a compelling argument that diabetic individuals homozygous for the Hp 1 allele are at decreased risk of vascular complications as compared to diabetic individuals with the Hp 2 allele.

Methods

The naturally occurring (wild type) mouse Hp is a class 1 Hp allele. We examined renal hypertrophy in wild‐type mice, Hp knockout mice (Hp 0), and in mice with the Hp 2 allele (Hp 2) with and without diabetes.

Results

In the absence of diabetes, we found that renal hypertrophy was significantly increased in Hp 0 mice and that this could be prevented with vitamin E. There was no difference between wild type and Hp 2 mice with regard to renal hypertrophy in the absence of diabetes. However, in the presence of diabetes, Hp 2 mice demonstrated a significant increase in renal hypertrophy as compared to wild‐type mice.

Conclusions

These results support a direct linkage between diabetic vascular disease and the Hp genotype. These Hp‐modified mice may serve as a platform on which to test a variety of pharmacological agents in order to decrease diabetic vascular disease. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive antenna array for single carrier modulation with cyclic prefix
Authors: Hayashi Kazunori , Kojima Taku , Sakai Hideaki
Published: April 2005

In this paper, a method for weight control of an adaptive array is proposed for a system using a cyclic prefix in single carrier wireless communications (SC‐CP). In the SC‐CP system, the delayed wave within the guard interval (GI) can be equalized by discrete frequency domain equalization. Therefore, it is to be expected that the characteristics can be improved with respect to the received signal power by reception of several arriving waves within the GI. On the other hand, reception of several arriving waves leads to generation of zero points in the frequency response so that noise enhancement may be a problem for a discrete frequency domain equalizer with a zero forcing (ZF) reference. Also caused in the SC‐CP system are the intersymbol interference (ISI) and interblock interference (IBI) due to the delayed wave exceeding the GI length. In this paper, a weight control method is proposed that simultaneously realizes enhanced received signal power by reception of several arriving waves and avoidance of noise enhancement due to ZF reference equalizer. At the same time, the weight control method to suppress delayed waves outside the GI is theoretically derived and its characteristics are evaluated by a computer simulation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 88(9): 38–48, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20189
Circularly polarized loop‐line antennas: Fundamental study on dual polarization
Authors: Hirose Kazuhide , Kanazawa Hiroyuki , Nakano Hisamatsu
Published: April 2005

Two types of microstrip line antennas made of loop elements are treated and a basic study of dual circular polarizations is performed. The analytical values obtained by the method of moments are used for the study. Dual polarizations are attempted with an antenna combining two conventional series loop‐line antennas. Unwanted radiation near an elevation angle of 0° in the radiation pattern is recognized. The radiated field is separated into emissions from various parts of the antenna. The study results indicate that the radiation from the loop elements is weak. Next, based on the study results, a parallel loop‐line antenna is proposed. After a design method for the antenna is presented, the dual polarization characteristics are demonstrated. In comparison with the case of a series loop‐line antenna, the unwanted radiation at an elevation angle of 0° is decreased from −9 dB to −18 dB. Finally, the frequency characteristics of the parallel loop‐line antenna are studied. It is shown that a circular polarization with an axial ratio of less than 3 dB can be obtained over a bandwidth of 1%. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 88(9): 9–18, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20219
A compact method for measuring antenna impedance using near‐field backscatter data
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Goto Yoshihisa , Sato Risaburo
Published: April 2005

In this paper, a compact measurement method is proposed for deriving the input impedance from the near‐field scattering characteristics of an antenna under test. The relationship between the backscatter data including the near field and the input impedance of the antenna is derived. It is shown that scattered waves can be in the near field if electrical coupling of transmitting and receiving antennas with the antenna to be measured is small. When orthogonally placed transmitting and receiving dipoles are used as a model for the measurement system, practically valid results can be obtained if these antennas are more than a half‐wavelength apart from the antenna under test. Experiments are carried out to validate the method by impedance measurement of balanced and unbalanced dipoles. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 88(9): 1–8, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20220
A scheme of private key agreement based on the channel characteristics in OFDM land mobile radio
Authors: Kitaura Akito , Sasaoka Hideichi
Published: April 2005

As a measure for preventing eavesdropping on land‐mobile communication, this paper studies an application of a private key agreement based on the propagation characteristics of channel to a practical system without key delivery. The paper proposes a private key agreement based on the time‐varying frequency characteristics suitable for OFDM. In the proposed method, the time‐varying frequency characteristics are alternately measured on the basis of the channel reciprocity and generation of the key and key agreement is attempted. Also, in the proposed method, for prevention of errors in key generation, measurement time difference compensation of the channel, noise reduction by the synchronous addition process, and key disagreement correction by an algebraic decoding method are applied. Further, in order to evaluate the safety of the key, a method for evaluation of independence of the key is discussed. As a system mode for evaluation of the performance of the proposed method, a model is constructed for study that is based on the specification of the IEEE802.11a wireless LAN using the OFDM, so that verification of an operation can be carried out in a more realistic environment. Numerical simulation indicates that it is possible to share the private key in a realistic setting with an SN ratio of 15 dB by means of various measures for prevention of key disagreement. Also, an evaluation confirms that independence is sufficiently maintained. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 88(9): 1–10, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20167
Image generation in chirp pulse microwave computed tomography (CP‐MCT) by numerical computation: Computation of a human head model
Authors: Miyakawa Michio , Kawada Yohei , Bertero Mario
Published: April 2005

This paper considers chirp pulse microwave CT (CP‐MCT), in which the chirp pulse and signal processing technology are used to estimate the internal structure and temperature variation of biological objects. A method is developed in which the CT image to be acquired by actual measurement can be derived by numerical computation. The aftereffect function between the transmitting and receiving antennas is calculated by a Gaussian pulse and the FDTD method. After convolution of the function with the input chirp pulse signal on the time axis, the measured signal at a point is constructed by the same signal processing as in real measurement. This computation is repeated for each point on the translation‐scanning axis. The projection data are acquired and the CT image is generated. The validity of this computation procedure, which is called the aftereffect function method, is demonstrated by comparing the resolution and the measured temperature variation in actual measurements with the results of a simulation computation. Using the aftereffect function method, the point‐spread function of an imaging system which is difficult to measure, can be derived. An analytical model for the human head is constructed. Simulations are performed for the attenuation distribution and the temperature variation distribution. Based on the results, the feasibility of the biological imaging by CP‐MCT is discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 88(9): 53–63, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20190
Immune responses to DNA mismatch repair enzymes hMSH2 and hPMS1 in patients with pancreatic cancer, dermatomyositis and polymyositis
Authors: Okada Takaho , Noji Shinobu , Goto Yasufumi , Iwata Takashi , Fujita Tomonobu , Okada Tsutomu , Matsuzaki Yuriko , Kuwana Masataka , Hirakata Michito , Horii Akira , Matsuno Seiki , Sunamura Makoto , Kawakami Yutaka
Published: April 2005

To identify tumor antigens useful for diagnosis and immunotherapy of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, we applied a SEREX approach with a cDNA library made from 5 pancreatic cancer cell lines and sera obtained from 8 patients with pancreatic cancer, and isolated total 32 genes, including 14 previously characterized genes and 18 genes with unknown functions. Among these isolated antigens, serum IgG antibodies for 2 isolated DNA mismatch repair enzymes, Homo sapiens mutS homolog 2 (hMSH2) and Homo sapiens postmeiotic segregation increased 1 (hPMS1), were detected in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and dermatomyositis (DM), and polymyositis (PM), but not in sera from healthy individuals. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated that hMSH2 and hPMS1 were over‐expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared to normal pancreatic ducts. These results suggested that hMSH2 and hPMS1 may be useful as CD4+ helper T cell antigens for immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer patients and that serum IgG antibodies may be useful for diagnosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and DM/PM. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Melanoma patients respond to a new HLA‐A*01‐presented antigenic ligand derived from a multi‐epitope region of melanoma antigen TRP‐2
Authors: Paschen Annette , Jing Weiqing , Drexler Ingo , Klemm Moritz , Song Mingxia , Müller‐Berghaus Jan , Nguyen Xuan Duc , Osen Wolfram , Stevanovic Stefan , Sutter Gerd , Schadendorf Dirk
Published: April 2005

Tyrosinase‐related protein‐2 (TRP‐2) is a known target antigen of spontaneous cytotoxic T cell responses in melanoma patients. Its frequent expression in metastatic tumors suggests that it might be an ideal candidate antigen for T cell‐based immunotherapy. To provide knowledge about TRP‐2‐derived T cell epitopes useful for immunotherapy we applied a “reverse immunology strategy” based on repeated in vitro peptide stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from normal donors with predicted HLA‐A*01 ligands. This led to the identification of TRP‐2181–190 as the first HLA‐A*01‐presented TRP‐2‐derived epitope. T‐cell lines specific for peptide TRP‐2181–190 could be established from PBL of 50% of the normal HLA‐A*01+ donors tested. Such T cells responded specifically to autologous dendritic cells transduced virally with TRP‐2, as well as to HLA‐A*01+, TRP‐2+ melanoma cells, although tumor cells had to be pretreated with IFN‐γ to become susceptible to T cell recognition. Interestingly, short‐term in vitro peptide stimulation of PBL from HLA‐A*01+ melanoma patients showed the presence of TRP‐2181–190‐reactive CD8+ T cells in some donors, suggesting their in vivo sensitization. Because TRP‐2181–190 overlaps with the known HLA‐A*0201‐presented epitope TRP‐2180–188, an 11mer peptide encompassing both epitopes might be of specific value for vaccination of a broad population of melanoma patients. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective infiltration of CCR5+CXCR3+ T lymphocytes in human colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Musha Hiroaki , Ohtani Haruo , Mizoi Takayuki , Kinouchi Makoto , Nakayama Takashi , Shiiba Kennichi , Miyagawa Kikuo , Nagura Hiroshi , Yoshie Osamu , Sasaki Iwao
Published: April 2005

T cell infiltration in colorectal cancer is associated with a favorable prognosis, suggesting an occurrence of a certain degree of anti‐tumor immunity. T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells are now known to selectively express CC‐chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)/CXC‐chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) and CCR4, respectively. To clarify the mechanism of T cell infiltration, we examined in situ expression of these chemokine receptors and their respective chemokine ligands in 40 cases of human colorectal cancer. Immunohistochemistry showed a predominant accumulation of T cells expressing CCR5 and CXCR3 mainly along the invasive margin, whereas those expressing CCR4 were rare. Flow cytometric analysis showed that more than half of CD8+ T cells and a fraction of CD4+ cells isolated from fresh tumor tissues co‐expressed CCR5 and CXCR3, and CD8+ T cells and CD4+ cells predominantly produced interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) over interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) after in vitro stimulation. RANTES/CCL5, a ligand of CCR5, was localized within infiltrating CD8+ T cells in a granular pattern, whereas IP‐10/CXCL10, a ligand of CXCR3, was localized in cancer cells and macrophages along the invasive margin. These data were consistent with an active recruitment of T cells expressing CCR5 or CXCR3 into the invasive margin of colorectal cancer. With the previous clinicopathological studies showing a favorable prognostic impact of T cell infiltration in colorectal cancer, our study supports the occurrence of a certain level of Th1‐shifted cellular immune responses in human colorectal cancer. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Green tea drinking and multigenetic index on the risk of stomach cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Mu Li‐Na , Lu Qing‐Yi , Yu Shun‐Zhang , Jiang Qing‐Wu , Cao Wei , You Nai‐Chieh , Setiawan Veronica Wendy , Zhou Xue‐Fu , Ding Bao‐Guo , Wang Ru‐Hong , Zhao Jinkou , Cai Lin , Rao Jian‐Yu , Heber David , Zhang Zuo‐Feng
Published: April 2005

The purpose of our study was to examine the roles of green tea drinking, other risk and protective factors, and polymorphism of susceptibility genes such as GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and p53 codon 72 and their possible joint effects on the risk of stomach cancer. A population‐based case‐control study was conducted in Taixing, China, including 206 newly diagnosed cases with stomach cancer and 415 healthy control subjects. Epidemiological data were collected by in‐person interviews using a standard questionnaire. Polymorphisms of susceptibility genes were assayed by PCR‐RFLP techniques. A multigenetic index was created by summing up the number of risk genotypes. The data were analyzed using the logistic regression model. A reverse association between green tea drinking and risk of stomach cancer was observed with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34–1.01). Dose‐response relationship was shown (p‐trend < 0.05). A higher score on the multigenetic index was associated with increased risk of stomach cancer with an adjusted OR of 2.21 (95% CI = 1.02–4.79) for those with at least 3 risk genotypes compared to those with <2 risk genotypes. Green tea drinking was suggested to have more than multiplicative interactions with alcohol consumption with an adjusted OR for interaction of 4.57 (95% CI = 1.62–12.89), and with higher multigenetic index with adjusted OR for interaction of 2.31 (95% CI = 0.88–6.03). The protective effect of green tea drinking was observed on the risk of stomach cancer and the possible effect modification by susceptibility genes was suggested. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 overexpression in MCF‐10F human breast epithelial cells inhibits proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation, and causes partial transformation
Authors: Lu Suying , Yu Guo , Zhu Yonghong , Archer Michael C.
Published: April 2005

To investigate the effects of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) overexpression on breast cancer development, we stably transfected MCF‐10F human breast epithelial cells with an expression vector containing human COX‐2 cDNA oriented in the sense (10F‐S) or antisense (10F‐AS) direction. As expected, 10F‐S cells expressed elevated levels of COX‐2 protein, whereas this protein was undetectable in the 10F‐AS cells. Prostaglandin E2 production in these cells reflected COX‐2 levels. The 10F‐S cells had a significantly decreased rate of proliferation compared to 10F‐AS or parental cells, and a delay in progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. COX‐2 overexpression also caused resistance to detachment‐induced apoptosis (anoikis) as well as an inhibition of differentiation in cells cultured in Matrigel. Furthermore, after ∼ 20 passages in culture, 10F‐S cells developed fibroblast‐like features, expressed vimentin, and formed foci of dense growth when cultured at confluence, suggesting that the cells were undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The 10F‐S cells, however, were unable to grow in soft agar or form tumors in nude mice, suggesting that they were only partially transformed. Our observations suggest that COX‐2 overexpression in human breast epithelial cells will predispose the mammary gland to carcinogenesis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro study of the variable square pulse Er:YAG laser cutting efficacy for apicectomy
Authors: Grgurević Joško , Grgurević Lovro , Miletić Ivana , Karlović Zoran , Krmek Silvana Jukić , Anić Ivica
Published: April 2005

Background and Objectives

Variable square pulse (VSP) Er:YAG laser should be quicker than older Er:YAG lasers. The objectives were: (1) comparison of VSP laser and mechanical handpiece efficacy for apicectomy and (2) determination of optimal pulse width/energy/frequency combination.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Sixty extracted, single‐rooted mature human teeth with round apical parts were instrumented, root filled, cleaned, and divided into four groups. Apical 2 mm of each root were apicectomized with mechanical handpiece and Er:YAG laser with three different settings (LaserA = 200 mJ/300 microseconds/ 8 Hz; LaserB = 200 mJ/100 microseconds/8 Hz; LaserC = 380 mJ/100 microseconds/20 Hz). Timing results were statistically compared.

Results

LaserC was the most efficient setting. Differences between groups were significant except between LaserC–Mechanical and LaserA–LaserC (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

VSP Er:YAG laser used for apicectomy is slower by a factor of 7–31 than mechanical handpiece, but treatment outcome is acceptable. Optimal settings for apicectomy with VSP laser are 380 mJ/100 microseconds/20 Hz. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A zero theorem for the transfer of coherent Witt groups
Authors: Gille Stefan , Hornbostel Jens
Published: April 2005

Let R be a Gorenstein ring of finite Krull dimension and t ∈ R a regular element. We show that if the quotient map R → R/Rt has a flat splitting then the transfer morphism of coherent Witt groups Tr(R/Rt)/R : $ \widetilde W^{i} $(R/Rt) → $ \widetilde W^{i+1} $(R) is zero for all i ∈ ℤ. As an application we give another proof of the Gersten conjecture for Witt groups in the case of regular semilocal rings essentially of finite type over a field of characteristic not 2. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bound states of atoms in a homogeneous magnetic field
Authors: Vugalter Semjon
Published: April 2005

We consider Schrödinger operators of atoms in a homogeneous magnetic field. We prove that for each fixed value of the pseudomomentum, the corresponding operator has an infinite number of eigenvalues. The asymptotic behaviour of the counting function is studied for values of spectral parameter near the bottom of the essential spectrum. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mammalian sperm phosphodiesterases and their involvement in receptor‐mediated cell signaling important for capacitation
Authors: Baxendale Rhona W. , Fraser Lynn R.
Published: April 2005

This study investigated the presence and function of intracellular cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in mature mouse spermatozoa. PCR analysis detected gene transcripts for most of the 11 known PDE families in whole testis, but mainly for PDEs 1, 3, 6, and 8 in spermatozoa. Using specific antibodies, the strongest evidence was obtained for PDE proteins 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11 in both sperm lysates and intact cells. These showed a range of subcellular localizations, with PDE 1A being primarily in the flagellum but PDEs 4D and 10A being in both the acrosomal region and the flagellum, similar to specific G proteins and adenylyl cyclases implicated in cAMP regulation during capacitation. In live spermatozoa, inhibitors selective for PDE 1 (MMPX) and 4 (rolipram) significantly increased cAMP over control levels but only rolipram significantly stimulated capacitation and in‐vitro fertilizing ability; this suggests that compartmentalization has functional implications since only PDE 4 was abundant in both head and flagellum. Treatment of spermatozoa with CGS 21680, a stimulatory adenosine receptor agonist, significantly reduced cAMP‐PDE activity at the same time‐point when it causes increased cAMP. Thus, certain receptor‐regulated cAMP processes in spermatozoa may be controlled by changes in both PDE and cyclase activities. In addition to demonstrating for the first time that some of the more recently discovered PDE isoforms, including PDE 6 (usually associated with the retina), are present in mature spermatozoa, this study provides clear evidence that the intracellular location of specific PDEs has important functional significance during capacitation and fertilization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurobehavioral assessment before birth
Authors: DiPietro Janet A.
Published: April 2005

The complexities of neurobehavioral assessment of the fetus, which can be neither directly viewed nor manipulated, cannot be understated. Impetus to develop methods for measuring fetal neurobehavioral development has been provided by the recognition that individual differences in neurobehavioral functioning do not originate with birth and acceptance of the key contribution of the antenatal period to postnatal life. Research has centered around four aspects of fetal functioning: heart rate, motor activity, behavioral state, and responsivity to stimulation. Longitudinal studies have revealed that the developmental trajectories of these characteristics parallel the developing nervous system, detected a transitional period between 28 and 32 weeks gestation, and established within‐fetal stability during the second half of gestation. Despite the promise of fetal stimulation and habituation paradigms as measures of neural functioning, significant safety and ethical concerns exist. Construction of a unified fetal neurobehavioral scale is premature until a sufficient degree of normative data is available and the predictive validity of specific aspects of fetal neurobehavior to child developmental outcomes is better established. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:4–13.
Prechtl's assessment of general movements: A diagnostic tool for the functional assessment of the young nervous system
Authors: Einspieler Christa , Prechtl Heinz F. R.
Published: April 2005

General movements (GMs) are part of the spontaneous movement repertoire and are present from early fetal life onwards until the end of the first half a year of life. GMs are complex, occur frequently, and last long enough to be observed properly. They involve the whole body in a variable sequence of arm, leg, neck, and trunk movements. They wax and wane in intensity, force and speed, and they have a gradual beginning and end. Rotations along the axis of the limbs and slight changes in the direction of movements make them fluent and elegant and create the impression of complexity and variability. If the nervous system is impaired, GMs loose their complex and variable character and become monotonous and poor. Two specific abnormal GM patterns reliably predict later cerebral palsy: 1) a persistent pattern of cramped‐synchronized GMs. The movements appear rigid and lack the normal smooth and fluent character. Limb and trunk muscles contract and relax almost simultaneously. 2) The absence of GMs of fidgety character. So‐called fidgety movements are small movements of moderate speed with variable acceleration of neck, trunk, and limbs in all directions. Normally, they are the predominant movement pattern in an awake infant at 3 to 5 months. Beside a sensitivity and specificity of 95% each, the assessment of GMs is quick, noninvasive, even nonintrusive, and cost‐effective compared with other techniques, e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, brain ultrasound, and traditional neurological examination. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:61–67.
Assessment of infant oral sensorimotor and swallowing function
Authors: Rogers Brian , Arvedson Joan
Published: April 2005

The development of feeding and swallowing is the result of a complex interface between the developing nervous system, various physiological systems, and the environment. The purpose of this article is to review the neurobiology, development, and assessment of feeding and swallowing during early infancy. In recent years, there have been exciting advances in our understanding of the physiology and neurological control of feeding and swallowing. These advances may prove useful in furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of dysphagia in infancy. Progress in developing standardized, reliable, and valid measures of oral sensorimotor and swallowing function in infancy has been slow. However, there have been significant advances in the instrumental analysis of feeding and swallowing disorders in infancy, including manometric analyses of sucking and swallowing, measures of respiration during feeding, videofluoroscopic swallow evaluations, ultrasonography, and flexible endoscopic examination of swallowing. Further efforts are needed to develop clinical evaluative measures of dysphagia in infancy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:74–82.
Towards creation of a unified view of the neurodevelopment of the infant
Authors: Lipkin Paul H.
Published: April 2005

During the twentieth century, study of the neurologic development of the fetus and infant has resulted in multiple neurodevelopmental assessments. They have been used both for determination of the integrity of the neonate as well as for assessment of the child's outcome from prenatal and neonatal medical interventions. These models of assessment have broadened our view and understanding of the development of functions such as movement, posture, attention, oromotor skills, and behavior. The link between these areas and the traditional areas of neurologic and psychiatric examination of older children and adults is explored through discussion of the maturation of movement, cranial nerve function, sensory, cognitive, and behavioral responses. Gaps in knowledge remain about the relationship between early neurodevelopmental assessments and later findings. A single unified means of examining the infant is also lacking. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:103–106.
Pathophysiology of anthracycline‐ and radiation‐associated cardiomyopathies: Implications for screening and prevention
Authors: Adams M. Jacob , Lipshultz Steven E.
Published: April 2005

Great progress has been made in treating childhood cancers over the past 40 years. Along with second malignancies, a major complication of anti‐cancer therapies is adverse cardiovascular effects, especially cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease. The pathophysiology and characteristics of cardiomyopathy associated with radiation therapy and anthracycline therapy are distinctive. We describe each type of cardiomyopathy, along with its risk factors. These distinctive cardiomyopathies require different screening tests. Appropriate screening of the entire cardiovascular system should be performed because radiation and chemotherapy affect the entire system. Prevention recommendations focus on cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005;44:600–606. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydration of protein–protein interfaces
Authors: Rodier Francis , Bahadur Ranjit Prasad , Chakrabarti Pinak , Janin Joël
Published: April 2005

We present an analysis of the water molecules immobilized at the protein–protein interfaces of 115 homodimeric proteins and 46 protein–protein complexes, and compare them with 173 large crystal packing interfaces representing nonspecific interactions. With an average of 15 waters per 1000 Å2 of interface area, the crystal packing interfaces are more hydrated than the specific interfaces of homodimers and complexes, which have 10–11 waters per 1000 Å2, reflecting the more hydrophilic composition of crystal packing interfaces. Very different patterns of hydration are observed: Water molecules may form a ring around interfaces that remain “dry,” or they may permeate “wet” interfaces. A majority of the specific interfaces are dry and most of the crystal packing interfaces are wet, but counterexamples exist in both categories. Water molecules at interfaces form hydrogen bonds with protein groups, with a preference for the main‐chain carbonyl and the charged side‐chains of Glu, Asp, and Arg. These interactions are essentially the same in specific and nonspecific interfaces, and very similar to those observed elsewhere on the protein surface. Water‐mediated polar interactions are as abundant at the interfaces as direct protein–protein hydrogen bonds, and they may contribute to the stability of the assembly. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of X‐ray and NMR structures: Is there a systematic difference in residue contacts between X‐ray‐ and NMR‐resolved protein structures?
Authors: Garbuzynskiy Sergiy O. , Melnik Bogdan S. , Lobanov Michail Yu. , Finkelstein Alexei V. , Galzitskaya Oxana V.
Published: April 2005

We have compared structures of 78 proteins determined by both NMR and X‐ray methods. It is shown that X‐ray and NMR structures of the same protein have more differences than various X‐ray structures obtained for the protein, and even more than various NMR structures of the protein. X‐ray and NMR structures of 18 of these 78 proteins have obvious large‐scale structural differences that seem to reflect a difference of crystal and solution structures. The other 60 pairs of structures have only small‐scale differences comparable with differences between various X‐ray or various NMR structures of a protein; we have analyzed these structures more attentively. One of the main differences between NMR and X‐ray structures concerns the number of contacts per residue: (1) NMR structures presented in PDB have more contacts than X‐ray structures at distances below 3.0 Å and 4.5–6.5 Å, and fewer contacts at distances of 3.0–4.5 Å and 6.5–8.0 Å; (2) this difference in the number of contacts is greater for internal residues than for external ones, and it is larger for β‐containing proteins than for all‐α proteins. Another significant difference is that the main‐chain hydrogen bonds identified in X‐ray and NMR structures often differ. Their correlation is 69% only. However, analogous difference is found for refined and rerefined NMR structures, allowing us to suggest that the observed difference in interresidue contacts of X‐ray and NMR structures of the same proteins is due mainly to a difference in mathematical treatment of experimental results. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of halogen substitution on p‐phenylenebiscarbene
Authors: Nicolaides Athanassios
Published: April 2005

The effect of halogen (F, Cl, and Br) perturbation on the geometries and relative energies of five electronic states (one quintet, two triplets, and two singlets) of p‐phenylenebiscarbene (1‐H) was examined computationally using MCSCF/6‐31G(d) wavefunctions. In all four cases (1‐X, X=H, F, Cl, Br) the ground state is a singlet diradical of A′ symmetry. Halogen substitution is found to have a minimal effect on the geometries and on the relative energies of electronic states of the same symmetry. However, it has a pronounced stabilizing effect on the energies of the A″ states relative to the A′ ones. Among the halogens the stabilization is strongest for the fluorine derivative resulting in a small T(A″)‐S(A′) splitting of 8 kcal/mol. The hydroxy analog (1‐OH) has almost degenerate singlet A′ and triplet A″ states, whereas the amino‐substituted one (1‐NH2) is computed to be a ground‐state (A″) triplet. Several of the findings can be accommodated by a qualitative valence‐bond model, which also relates the T(A″)‐S(A′) splittings in 1‐X and the corresponding phenylcarbene (PhCX). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Electron ionization mass spectra of indolenines obtained using sector and ion trap mass spectrometers
Authors: Morales‐Ríos Martha S. , Velasco Luis , Pérez‐Rojas Nadia A. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: April 2005

The electron impact (EI)‐induced fragmentations of 18 indolenines were studied using both double‐focusing and ion trap mass spectrometers. The compounds used in this study were synthesized to provide correlations of characteristic fragment ions with specific structural differences. In 2‐hydroxyindolenines the hydroxy group was involved in a major fragmentation process by interacting with the ester side chain to generate an α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactone structure, with concomitant loss of the corresponding alcohol. In contrast, loss of an alkyl radical, derived solely from the 2‐alkoxy group, is a major primary decomposition process for 2‐alkoxyindolenines. EI‐MS analyses using sector and ion trap spectrometers resulted in similar fragmentation patterns. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser ablation generation of cluster ions from concentrated sulfuric and selenic acids
Authors: Alberti Milan , Šedo Ondrej , Havel Josef
Published: April 2005

The generation and identification of novel homo‐ and hetero‐polyacid clusters was achieved using a standard matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometer. The formation of several singly charged species was achieved via the interaction of a laser beam with concentrated sulfuric acid, selenic acid or their mixtures, applied on a graphite microcrucible. A higher yield of the species was observed in the negative detection mode, where sulfuric acid adducts HSO · mH2SO4 (m = 0–3) and HSO · mH2SO4 · SO3 (m = 1, 2), and selenic acid adducts HSeO, HSeO · X (X = SeO3, H2SeO4, 2SeO3, H2SO4 · SeO3) and NaSeO · Y (Y = H2SeO4, H2SeO4 · SeO3, 2H2SO4, H2SeO4 · 2SeO3, 2H2SeO4 · SeO3, 3H2SeO4), were identified. In the mass spectra of the mixture of acids, besides the homo‐polyacidic adducts, eleven mixed species containing both sulfuric and selenic acid molecules or ions were identified, of which the heaviest was found to correspond to NaSeO · H2SeO4 · 3SO3. The stoichiometry of the species was confirmed using isotopic pattern modeling. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a multi‐target screening analysis for 301 drugs using a QTrap liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry system and automated library searching
Authors: Mueller C. A. , Weinmann W. , Dresen S. , Schreiber A. , Gergov M.
Published: April 2005

A new multi‐target screening (MTS) procedure for drugs in blood and urine for toxicological analysis has been developed using a hybrid triple‐quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer (QTrap) for the fast detection and identification of 301 forensically important drugs, e.g. tranquilizers (benzodiazepines), hypnotics, drugs of abuse (opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, cannabinoids), antidepressants, neuroleptics, and some cardiac drugs, in one single liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis. Samples were extracted either with liquid‐liquid extraction or solid‐phase extraction. A multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) as survey scan and an enhanced product ion (EPI) scan as dependent scan were performed in an information‐dependent acquisition (IDA) experiment. Finally, drug identification was carried out by library search with a newly developed MS/MS library based on EPI spectra at three different collision energies in positive mode. The advantage of this newly developed method is the possibility to detect and identify 301 drugs in one single LC/MS/MS run. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examination of the data rate obtainable with low‐gain non‐tracking antenna applied to user terminal used for mobile communications and broadcasting services provided by quasi‐zenithal satellites
Authors: Miura A. , Tanaka M.
Published: April 2005

Link budgets between the mobile user terminal and a feeder link station (2‐m‐diameter antenna) through the quasi‐zenithal satellite system (QZSS) (7‐m‐diameter antenna for Tx, 5‐m‐diameter antenna for Rx) under the power flux density (PFD) limit were calculated for the Ka‐ and Ku‐band. The PFD limit for non‐geostationary satellites is applied for frequency sharing between QZSS and geostationary satellites. The maximum data rate in the Ka‐band was 1.7 times higher than in the Ku‐band in the forward link, while the maximum data rate at Ku‐band is nine times higher than that in the Ka‐band in the return link when the transmit power derived from the regulations of the PFD is applied. And it is more than three times higher than that in the Ka‐band when transmit power is fixed to 2W. In the forward link, maximum data rates are 149 kbps in the Ka‐band and 86 kbps in the Ku‐band when the user terminal antenna is non‐tracking (gain at the satellite direction is 7.1 dBi) and the frequency bandwidth per beam is 30 MHz. Required bandwidth per channel for a certain data rate is large, e.g. in Ka‐band, 20.9 MHz for 64 kbps, 125 MHz for 384 kbps, and 326 MHz for 1 Mbps. In the return link, the maximum data rates are 44 kbps in the Ku‐band and 13.6 kbps in the Ka‐band when the user terminal antenna gain in the satellite direction is 7.1 dBi and transmit power is 2 W. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing logical channel configurations in complex satellite architectures
Authors: Ramos Carlos L.
Published: April 2005

As a result of the increased switching complexity of many communications satellites, often transponders are available with a variety of configuration options offering flexibility in power, bandwidth, and coverage. Many of these configurations share resources that prevent them from being simultaneously active, making it a challenge to understand and manage the satellite capacity inventory. In this paper we define the logical channel configuration (LCC) as an unambiguous unit of the inventory and present a novel method of modelling the interdependencies between these LCCs using linear algebra. In particular, a projector matrix is defined which can be used to update the activation state of all LCCs when the state of one or more of these is changed. As a result, a number of valid LCC scenarios can be easily generated and evaluated for optimal use of the satellite resources. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of the residue responsible for catalysing regeneration of activity in the inactive glutamate dehydrogenase mutant D165N
Authors: Paradisi Francesca , Woolfson Ruth , Geoghegan Kieran F. , Engel Paul C.
Published: April 2005

Previously a mutant of clostridial glutamate dehydrogenase with the catalytic Asp‐165 replaced by Asn was shown to regain activity through spontaneous, specific deamidation of this residue. A double mutant D165N/K125A has now been constructed, in which the catalytic Lys is also replaced. This was successfully over‐expressed and according to several criteria appears to be correctly folded. The double mutant was incubated for 35 days under conditions where D165N reactivates. LC–MS analysis of tryptic digests of timed samples showed no significant deamidation. This confirms that the reactivation of D165N is a consequence of the catalytic chemistry of the enzyme's active site.
Immune cell‐induced synthesis of NO and reactive oxygen species in lymphoma cells causes their death by apoptosis
Authors: Hu De-En , Brindle Kevin M.
Published: April 2005

Induction of apoptosis in a lymphoma cell line using immune cell‐conditioned medium, etoposide or an nitric oxide (NO) donor, resulted in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Agents that inhibited NO production or scavenged ROS or species formed by reaction of NO with ROS, protected the cells from apoptosis. These data support the suggestion that immune rejection of an immunogenic derivative of this lymphoma in vivo involves the induced synthesis of both NO and ROS by the tumour cells.
Identification and characterisation of Arabidopsis glycosyltransferases capable of glucosylating coniferyl aldehyde and sinapyl aldehyde
Authors: Lim Eng-Kiat , Jackson Rosamond G. , Bowles Dianna J.
Published: April 2005

This study describes the substrate recognition profile of UGT72E1, an UDP–glucose:glycosyltransferase of Arabidopsis thaliana that is the third member of a branch of glycosyltransferases, capable of conjugating lignin monomers and related metabolites. The data show that UGT72E1, in contrast to the two closely related UGTs 72E2 and 72E3, is specific for sinapyl and coniferyl aldehydes. The biochemical properties of UGT72E1 are characterised, and are compared with that of UGT72E2, which is capable of glycosylating the aldehydes as well as coniferyl and sinapyl alcohols.