bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Molecular Basis of Leukemia
Authors: Gilliland D. Gary , Jordan Craig T. , Felix Carolyn A.
Published: November 2004

Major strides have been made in our understanding of the molecular basis of adult and pediatric leukemias. More than one hundred disease alleles have been identified and characterized in cell culture and murine models of leukemia. In some instances, molecularly targeted therapies have been developed based on these insights that are currently in clinical trials, such as small molecule inhibitors of FLT3. In addition, it has recently been appreciated that, as with normal hematopoiesis, there is a hierarchical organization among leukemic cells that includes a rare population of leukemic stem cells that have properties of self-renewal. Understanding the characteristics of these leukemic stem cells may provide new insights into leukemia therapies that target self-renewal pathways.

In Section I, Dr. Craig Jordan reviews the data that supports the existence of a “leukemia stem cell.” He provides an overview of the functional properties of leukemic stem cells, their relationship to hematopoietic stem cells, and the relevance of leukemic stem cells in other human malignancies including solid tumors. He briefly discusses what is known of the pathways that regulate properties of self-renewal.

Dr. Gary Gilliland provides an overview of the genetics of adult leukemias in Section II and ongoing genome-wide strategies for discovery of new disease alleles. He describes the clinical and therapeutic implications of these findings and provides examples of bench-to-bedside translation of molecularly targeted therapies for AML, including the use of FLT3 inhibitors.

In Section III, Dr. Carolyn Felix reviews recent advances in our understanding of the genetics and therapy of pediatric leukemias. She provides an overview of leukemias that are common in pediatric malignancies but rarely observed in adults, including the TEL-AML1 (ETV6-RUNX1) fusion associated with pediatric B-cell ALL, the OTT-MAL fusion associated with infant megakaryoblastic leukemia, PTPN11 mutations in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, and MLL fusion genes in leukemogenesis, among others.
TETRA: a web-service and a stand-alone program for the analysis and comparison of tetranucleotide usage patterns in DNA sequences
Authors: Teeling Hanno , Waldmann Jost , Lombardot Thierry , Bauer Margarete , Glöckner Frank Oliver
Published: November 2004

Background

In the emerging field of environmental genomics, direct cloning and sequencing of genomic fragments from complex microbial communities has proven to be a valuable source of new enzymes, expanding the knowledge of basic biological processes. The central problem of this so called metagenome-approach is that the cloned fragments often lack suitable phylogenetic marker genes, rendering the identification of clones that are likely to originate from the same genome difficult or impossible. In such cases, the analysis of intrinsic DNA-signatures like tetranucleotide frequencies can provide valuable hints on fragment affiliation. With this application in mind, the TETRA web-service and the TETRA stand-alone program have been developed, both of which automate the task of comparative tetranucleotide frequency analysis.

Availability:http://www.megx.net/tetra

Results

TETRA provides a statistical analysis of tetranucleotide usage patterns in genomic fragments, either via a web-service or a stand-alone program. With respect to discriminatory power, such an analysis outperforms the assignment of genomic fragments based on the (G+C)-content, which is a widely-used sequence-based measure for assessing fragment relatedness. While the web-service is restricted to the calculation of correlation coefficients between tetranucleotide usage patterns of submitted DNA sequences, the stand-alone program generates a much more detailed output, comprising all raw data and graphical plots. The stand-alone program is controlled via a graphical user interface and can batch-process a multitude of sequences. Furthermore, it comes with pre-computed tetranucleotide usage patterns for 166 prokaryote chromosomes, providing a useful reference dataset and source for data-mining.

Conclusions

Up to now, the analysis of skewed oligonucleotide distributions within DNA sequences is not a commonly used tool within metagenomics. With the TETRA web-service and stand-alone program, the method is now accessible in an easy to use manner for a broad audience. This will hopefully facilitate the interrelation of genomic fragments from metagenome libraries, ultimately leading to new insights into the genetic potentials of yet uncultured microorganisms.
Leucocyte filtration of residual heart-lung machine blood in children undergoing congenital heart surgery
Authors: de Vries A J , Gu Y J , van Oeveren W
Published: November 2004

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) leads to a generalized inflammatory reaction, resulting in increased postoperative leucocyte counts and decreased pulmonary function. In adults, removal of leucocytes from the residual heart - lung machine blood after CPB improved postoperative oxygenation. In children, however, the clinical effects of leucocyte filtration of the residual heart - lung machine blood are unknown. Therefore, we measured postoperative leucocyte counts and arterial blood oxygenation in children undergoing congenital cardiac surgery in a randomized prospective study. Anaesthesia and CPB were standardized. After CPB, the residual heart-lung machine blood was collected as usual. In a group of 25 children, this blood was filtered with a leucocyte depletion filter before transfusion. A control group of 25 children received this blood unfiltered. We found that the postoperative leucocyte counts were significantly lower in the filter group than in the control group ( p=0.02, repeated measurements ANOVA). This difference reached a maximum on the second postoperative day (12.9×109/L filter versus 15.9×109/L control, p=0.02, Student’s t-test). Values for the arterial blood oxygenation on the first postoperative day were not different between the two groups (15.5±1 kPa filter versus 14.6±1.3 kPa control, p=0.57, Student’s t-test). We conclude that leucocyte filtration of the residual heart-lung machine blood reduced systemic leucocyte counts, but did not improve arterial blood oxygenation in children after congenital heart surgery.
Perfusion-assisted beating heart support with a miniature extracorporeal circuit and leukocyte filtration: a 58-year-old patient with severe COPD
Authors: Sutton Steven W , Duncan Michael A , Chase Virginia A , Hamman Baron L , Cheung Edson H
Published: November 2004

Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impose a significant risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality requiring cardiovascular surgical intervention and the use of extracorporeal circulation. Recently, we treated a 58-year-old male with acute coronary syndrome complicated with recurrent ventricular arrhythmia, hypoxemia secondary to severe COPD and resolving pneumonia, who required urgent coronary revascularization. A novel operative strategy was used that included beating heart bypass grafting with cardiac decompression and support with a miniature perfusion circuit, kinetic-assisted venous return, rapid autologous priming and leukocyte filtration. The combination of multiple modalities was chosen because the patient was in a pre-existing inflammatory condition and had severe COPD. We herein report our perioperative clinical experience with this patient and the use of multiple modalities for extracorporeal perfusion therapy in managing this challenging case. We believe that, based upon his clinical course of ventilation time (17.4 hours) and postoperative length of hospital stay (5 days), this high risk patient demonstrated a positive clinical outcome as a result of these techniques.
Development of the Brunel Balance Assessment: a new measure of balance disability post stroke
Authors: Tyson Sarah F , DeSouza Lorraine H
Published: November 2004

Objective: To report the psychometric properties of the Brunel Balance Assessment (BBA), a new test of balance disability post stroke.

Design: Data from 92 subjects were collected and cohorts used to test hierarchical scaling, reliability and validity. Data from 80 people were used to test the hierarchical scaling using an inter-item correlation for redundancy, coefficient of reproducibility (CR) and scalability (CS) for the hierarchy and Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the internal consistency. Thirty-seven people participated in the reliability testing. Test / retest and inter-tester reliability were tested using the kappa coefficient. The testing was repeated on consecutive days to assess test / retest reliability and was scored simultaneously by two physiotherapists for inter-tester reliability. Fifty-five people participated in validity testing. The BBA was compared with the sitting Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), Berg Balance Test (Berg), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) using Spearman's rho.

Setting: Physiotherapy stroke services of six UK NHS trusts.

Participants: Hemiplegic stroke patients were recruited from physiotherapy services and the BBA used to assess their balance.

Results: The order of the items was revised and the original 14-point scale reduced to 12 points in the scale development. The revised scale formed a hierarchical scale. Inter-item correlations were < 0.9, coefficients of reproducibility and scalability were 0.99 and 0.69 respectively and Cronbach's alpha was 0.92. Reliability was high (100% agreement) for both aspects of reliability. Correlations with other balance measures were significant (0.83 / 0.97, p<0.01) indicating validity as measure of balance disability.

Conclusion: The BBA is a reliable, valid, hierarchical measure of balance disability post stroke that is suitable for use in the clinical setting.
An exploration looking at the impact of domiciliary and day hospital delivery of stroke rehabilitation on informal carers
Authors: Low J TS , Roderick Paul , Payne Sheila
Published: November 2004

Objectives: To explore the impact of two methods of post-hospital stroke rehabilitation on both carers' perceptions of the health services offered and their quality of life.

Setting: East Dorset Health Authority.

Subjects: Forty-six informal carers were recruited from a sample of 106, initially identified from stroke patients participating in a larger randomized controlled trial.

Design: Qualitative methods.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used at baseline and six months to explore carers' perception of a good therapy, the advantages and disadvantages of the different services and their fulfilment with the services. In-depth thematic analysis was carried out to explore the impact of the two different methods of service delivery on carers' quality of life.

Results: Day hospitals provided carers with respite opportunities, whilst domiciliary stroke teams provided carers with better educational opportunities to be involved in therapy. No qualitative difference was found in the impact that the different services had on carers' quality of life, which were influenced by factors such as the degree of disruption that caring had on their lives, the loss of a shared life and the availability of social support. Ultimately, carers saw the services as providing benefit for survivors and not themselves.

Conclusions: Domiciliary stroke teams provided informal stroke carers with skills that could help improve postdischarge stroke rehabilitation amongst stroke survivors. Informal carers also benefited from the respite elements of day hospital. A mixed model using both domiciliary care and day hospital care, could provide carers with the benefits of education, convenience and respite.
Effects of visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training on hemiplegic stroke patients
Authors: Cheng Pao-Tsai , Wang Chin-Man , Chung Chia-Ying , Chen Chia-Ling
Published: November 2004

Objective: To assess the balance function of hemiplegic stroke patients and to investigate whether visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training following acute stroke can decrease falls among patients with hemiplegic stroke.

Design: A prospective study, using a Balance Master.

Setting: Hospital-based rehabilitation units.

Subjects: Fifty-two hemiplegic stroke patients (28 in the training group and 24 in the control group).

Interventions: Conventional stroke rehabilitation programme plus visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training. Training effect was evaluated by assessing the static and dynamic balance performance as well as comparing the occurrence of falls in the training and control groups at six-month follow-up.

Main measures: Occurrence of falls; static balance in different sensory conditions; and dynamic balance performance, including on-axis velocity and directional control during rhythmic weight-shift.

Results: Significant improvement in dynamic balance performance was found in hemiplegic patients in the training group. The improvement was sustained for six months. With regarding to static balance function, no significant improvement was found. At six-month follow-up, 5 of 28 patients (17.8%) in the training group had fallen, compared with 10 of 24 patients (41.7%) in the control group. The occurrence of falls decreased, although not statistically significantly (p = 0.059).

Conclusions: Visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training may improve dynamic balance function for hemiplegic stroke patients. The effects of training may be sustained for six months. The occurrence of falls decreased in the training group, but not statistically significantly.
Effects of aerobic and strength exercise on motor fatigue in men and women with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Surakka Jukka , Romberg Anders , Ruutiainen Juhani , Aunola Sirkka , Virtanen Arja , Karppi Sirkka-Liisa , Mäentaka Kari
Published: November 2004

Objective: To investigate the effects of aerobic and strength exercise on motor fatigue of knee flexor and extensor muscles in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Design: A randomized controlled trial.

Setting: At Masku Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, Masku, and the Social Insurance Institution, Research Department, Turku, Finland.

Subjects: Ninety-five MS patients with mild to moderate disability were randomized into exercise group (n = 47) and a control group (n = 48).

Intervention: Participants in the exercise group attended in a supervised exercise period of three weeks, which was followed by a home exercise programme lasting for 23 weeks. Patients in the control group continued with their normal living.

Outcome measures: Motor fatigue of knee flexor and extensor muscles was measured during a static 30-s maximal sustained muscle contraction. The decline in force (Nm) during the 30 s was recorded, and a fatigue index (FI) was calculated. Subjective fatigue was measured by using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The Ambulatory Fatigue Index (AFI) was calculated on the basis of a 500-m walking test. Assessment took place at baseline, at the third week (not for the control group) and at the 26th week. All outcome variables were analysed, men and women together, and some interesting contrasts were analysed by gender.

Results: Associations were observed with changes in extension FI and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and mean extension torque (Nm), but not with changes in FI and aerobic or strength exercise activity, mean AFI, mean FSS or in mean knee flexion torque. AFI was decreased in all subject groups (p = 0.007). Motor fatigue was reduced in knee flexion (p = 0.0014) and extension (ns) among female but not in male exercisers after six months of exercise. The exercise activity of women was 25% higher than that of the men.

Conclusions: Six months of exercise reduced motor fatigue in women, but not in men.
A multiple case design experiment to investigate the performance and neural effects of a programme for training hand function after stroke
Authors: Turton Ailie J , Butler Stuart R
Published: November 2004

Objective: To investigate the effects of task-specific practice on hand function in stroke subjects who were given computer-assisted training and to look for associated changes in corticospinal connectivity.

Design: Single case design experiments.

Setting: Subjects’ homes.

Subjects: Seven chronic stroke subjects with impaired hand function.

Interventions: Daily intensive practice of fast and accurate force changes in pinch grip and knob turning grip for four weeks.

Main measures: Pinch and power grip strength and dexterity measured using the Ten-hole Peg Test and a timed nuts and bolts test were recorded twice a week throughout the study. Corticospinal connectivity was assessed by latency of electromyography (EMG) responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) recorded during the baseline weeks before the training and again immediately after the training period.

Results: Subjects completed between 5760 and 18 560 force changes. Clinically relevant improvements in grip strength were evident in only two subjects. None of the subjects showed clinically significant improvement in dexterity measures. Statistical analysis showed that improved performance was related to the training phase in only two subjects. A reduction in latency of EMG responses to TMS was seen in two subjects but could not be attributed to the training phase.

Conclusions: The intensive training did not improve hand function in most subjects. Latencies of EMG responses to TMS were also unable to detect any change.
Emission Control, Industrial
Authors: Berglund Ronald L.
Published: November 2004

Exhaust emissions are increasingly legislated with additional emphasis on fugitive emissions. Much of the research and development in the chemical process, petroleum, power generation, and manufacturing industries is driven by the need to control exhausts utilizing postprocess emissions treatment. Oxidative combustion technology is commonly employed for elimination of volatile organic components. This technology may be strictly thermal (incineration) or employ oxidation catalysis. The catalysts, mechanistic models, and design, operation, and selection of industrial catalytic exhaust control systems are discussed, as is catalytic inhibition. Exhaust control technology for criteria air pollutants, such as the nitrogen oxides, is presented and the incorporation of biofiltration technology in selected applications. The use of catalytic oxidation techniques for control of specific emissions within particular industries is also discussed.
Flow Measurement
Authors: Burgess Thomas H.
Published: November 2004

The measurement of flow is essential to the production, distribution, consumption and disposal of all liquids and gases including fuels, chemicals, foods and wastes. Emphasis in this chapter is placed on the broad types of flow measuring equipment that are commercially available and the general selection criteria for their proper use. The various measurement methods and corresponding hardware are discussed in terms of their principles of operation, variations in available forms, advantages and limitations, and commonly used areas of application.
Heat Pipes
Authors: Kosoy Boris
Published: November 2004

Heat pipes are used to perform several important heat‐transfer roles in the chemical and closely allied industries. Examples include heat recovery, the isothermalizing of processes, and spot cooling in the molding of plastics. In its simplest form, the heat pipe possesses the property of extremely high thermal conductance, often several hundred times that of metals. As a result, the heat pipe can produce nearly isothermal conditions making an almost ideal heat‐transfer element. In another form, the heat pipe can provide positive, rapid, and precise control of temperature under conditions that vary with respect to time.

The heat pipe is self‐contained, has no mechanical moving parts, and requires no external power other than the heat that flows through it.
Iron Compounds
Authors: Stolzenberg Alan M.
Published: November 2004

This article provides a brief overview of the preparation, composition, properties, and uses of the principal compounds of iron. The compounds are divided into salts and simple coordination compounds, chelate compounds, organometallic compounds, and compounds of biological relevance. Whereas compounds of iron in the + 2 and + 3 oxidation state are the most common, eg, salts of iron(II) are known for almost all the common anions, higher oxidation states are known to exist, even in biological compounds. Moreover, organometallic iron is formally lower in the oxidation state. Iron compounds find commercial applications throughout the chemical industry as catalysts, pharmaceuticals, dyes, pigments, and indicators. Many iron compounds are magnetic and may be found in magnets and in recording media as well as in microwave technology. Sections on economic aspects, analytical methods, and health and safety considerations are included.
Craniofacial dyssynostosis: Description of the first four Spanish cases and review
Authors: Bermejo Eva , Félix Valentín , Lapunzina Pablo , Galán Enrique , Soler Virginia , Delicado Alicia , Pantoja Angel , Márquez María‐Dolores , García Marta , Mora Emiliano , Cuevas Lourdes , Ureta Alicia , López‐Pajares Isidora , Martínez‐Frías María‐Luisa
Published: November 2004

Craniofacial dyssynostosis (CD) is characterized by premature fusion of the lambdoid and posterior part of the sagittal sutures, and short stature. Thus, the skull shape becomes dolichocephalic with protuberant forehead and either bulging or flat occiput. Facial changes are secondary to the skull defects, and some additional findings have also been described. We report on the first four known Spanish patients. They were unrelated and had Spanish ancestors. In the three previous reports about this syndrome, the authors hypothesized that the frequency of the gene causing CD must be rather high in the Spanish population, and relatively common in areas with Spanish ancestry. We have estimated the minimal birth prevalence of the syndrome in 0.51 per million livebirths. It has been previously suggested that the syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, since there were two affected sisters among the nine published cases. Phenotypic variability is discussed in detail in this paper. We also underline several aspects for the anticipatory guidance of affected individuals, especially recommending a neurologic evaluation taking into account the radiologic findings in order to plan early interventions to avoid undesirable consequences of craniosynostosis. It is also recommended to perform additional studies (ophthalmologic, cardiologic, among others) to rule out the existence of associated anomalies, which are more frequent than previously considered. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Challenges in constructing statistically based structure‐activity relationship models for developmental toxicity
Authors: Julien Elizabeth , Willhite Calvin C. , Richard Ann M. , DeSesso John M. ,   ILSI RSI Working Group
Published: November 2004

Regulatory agencies are increasingly called upon to review large numbers of environmental contaminants that have not been characterized for their potential to pose a health risk. Additionally, there is special interest in protecting potentially sensitive subpopulations and identifying developmental toxicants that may be present in the environment. Thus, there is an urgent need for efficient methods to screen large numbers of chemicals for their potential to pose a developmental hazard. One potential screening method involves the use of statistically based structure‐activity relationship (SAR) tools to predict activity of untested chemicals. Such systems rely on statistical analyses to discern relationships between structure and activity for a training set of substances. Predictions can then be made for an untested substance as long as its structural features are encompassed by chemicals of the training set. In theory, such systems could assist regulatory agencies in their screening efforts; however, to date, there has been little independent evaluation of these tools for this use. To contribute to such an evaluation, the International Life Sciences Institute Risk Science Institute (ILSI RSI) convened a Working Group to examine methodology used to construct statistically based SAR systems for developmental toxicity. This document reports on the deliberations of the Working Group, which concluded that an improved process is needed for utilizing developmental toxicity data in the construction of statistically based SAR models. The process must be objective, reproducible, rational and transparent. Moreover, it must be informed by the expertise of developmental toxicologists and biologists and must be subject to peer review. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Substrate range of acetohydroxy acid synthase I from Escherichia coli in the stereoselective synthesis of α‐hydroxy ketones
Authors: Engel Stanislav , Vyazmensky Maria , Berkovich Dvora , Barak Ze'ev , Chipman David M.
Published: November 2004

Acetohydroxy acid synthase I appears to be the most effective of the AHAS isozymes found in Escherichia coli in the chiral synthesis of phenylacetyl carbinol from pyruvate and benzaldehyde. We report here the exploration of a range of aldehydes as substrates for AHAS I and demonstrate that the enzyme can accept a wide variety of substituted benzaldehydes, as well as heterocyclic and heteroatomic aromatic aldehydes, to produce chiral carbinols. The active site of AHAS I does not appear to impose serious steric constraints on the acceptor substrate. The influence of electronic effects on the reaction has been probed using substituted benzaldehydes as substrates. The electrophilicity of the aldehyde acceptor substrates is most important to their reactivity, but the lipophilicity of substituents also affects their reactivity. AHAS I is an effective biosynthetic platform for production of a variety of α‐hydroxy ketones, compounds with considerable potential as pharmacological precursors. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental Study of Oxygen Mass Transfer Coefficient in Bubble Column with High Temperature and High Pressure
Authors: Jin H. , Liu D. , Yang S. , He G. , Guo Z. , Tong Z.
Published: November 2004

The volumetric gas‐liquid mass transfer coefficient, kLα, for oxygen was studied by using the dynamic method in slurry bubble column reactors with high temperature and high pressure. The effects of temperature, pressure, superficial gas velocity and solids concentration on the mass transfer coefficient are systemically discussed. Experimental results show that the gas‐liquid mass transfer coefficient increases with the increase in pressure, temperature, and superficial gas velocity, and decreases with the increase in solids concentration. Moreover, kLα values in a large bubble column are slightly higher than those in a small one at certain operating conditions. According to the analysis of experimental data, an empirical correlation is obtained to calculate the values of the oxygen volumetric mass transfer coefficient for a water‐quartz sand system in two bubble columns with different diameter at high temperature and high pressure.
pH Process Control with Fictitious Smoothing Tanks
Authors: Manzi J.T. , da Rocha A.M. , Bispo H.
Published: November 2004

This paper is concerned with pH process control based on sensitivity analysis, applied to a strong acid‐strong base system. The models were developed, using the concept of chemical reaction invariants. Derived from GMC synthesis, a non‐linear PI control law was presented and the results compared to the classical PI controller. The presence of uncertainties or a shift in the system's behavior has been considered, either on steady state or from the dynamic point of view. The analysis showed that sensitivity presents the same behavior in both cases, thus demonstrating the feasibility of the application with the non‐linear PI controller. The results of sensitivity analysis indicate a strategy for improving control structure performance, using the concept of fictitious smoothing tanks, inserted into computer codes for process control, yet without incurring appreciable computational load or additional costs.
Phase Relationships and Thermodynamic Interactions of Isotactic Poly(1‐butene) and Organic Solvent Systems
Authors: Domańska Urszula , Kozłowska Marta Karolina
Published: November 2004

Isotactic crystalline low‐molecular‐weight poly(1‐butene), iPBu‐1, was synthesised by using a metallocene catalyst. The molecular weight was determined by GPC. The chemical structure of iPBu‐1 was verified by using high‐temperature 13C NMR spectroscopy and the thermal properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The (solid+liquid) equilibria, SLE, of iPBu‐1 with different hydrocarbons (n‐hexadecane, 1‐heptene, 1‐heptyne, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, cyclooctane, benzene and propylbenzene) were studied by a dynamic method. By performing these experiments over a large concentration range, the temperature–mole fraction phase diagrams of the polymer–solvent systems could be constructed. From these diagrams it was found that iPBu‐1 had the highest solubility in small‐ring cycloalkanes and the lowest in n‐hexadecane, 1‐heptyne and benzene in the mole fraction range measured. The excess Gibbs energy models were used to describe the nonideal behaviour of the liquid phase and to estimate the solubility of iPBu‐1 in the whole mole fraction range. Activity coefficients at infinite dilution of polymer and solvent were determined from the solubility measurements and were predicted by using the UNIFAC FV model and molecular Monte Carlo simulations.
Association between a vasopressin receptor AVPR1A promoter region microsatellite and eating behavior measured by a self‐report questionnaire (Eating Attitudes Test) in a family‐based study of a nonclinical population
Authors: Bachner‐Melman Rachel , Zohar Ada H. , Elizur Yoel , Nemanov Lubov , Gritsenko Inga , Konis Daphnie , Ebstein Richard P.
Published: November 2004

Objectives

Considerable evidence including twin and family studies suggests that biologic determinants interact with cultural cues in the etiology of anorexia and bulimia nervosa. A gene that makes “biologic sense” in contributing susceptibility to these disorders, and to our knowledge not previously investigated for this phenotype, is the vasopressin receptor (AVPR1A), which we have tested for association with eating pathology.

Methods

We genotyped 280 families with same‐sex siblings for two microsatellites in the promoter region of the AVPR1A gene. Siblings completed the 26‐item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Drive for Thinness (DT) and Body Dissatisfaction (BD) subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI). The Quantitative Transmission Disequilibrium Test program (QTDT), which employs flexible and powerful variance‐components procedures, was used to test for an association between EAT scores and the two AVPR1A promoter region microsatellites, RS1 and RS3.

Results

A significant association (p = .036) was detected between the RS3 microsatellite and EAT scores. The strongest association was between RS3 and the Dieting subscale of the EAT (p = .011). A significant association was also observed between the EDI‐DT and the RS3 microsatellit (p = .0450).

Conclusions

We demonstrate for the first time an association between a microsatellite polymorphism in the AVPR1A promoter region and scores on the EAT as well as with the EDI‐DT. The strongest association was observed between the RS3 microsatellite and the Dieting subscale of the EAT. The relevant phenotype appears to tap severe dietary restriction for weight loss purposes. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 36: 451–460, 2004.
Voltammetric Determination of Urinary 1‐Hydroxypyrene Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer‐Modified Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Kirsch Nicole , Honeychurch Kevin C. , Hart John P. , Whitcombe Michael J.
Published: November 2004

A two step non‐competitive affinity method for the trace determination of 1‐hydroxypyrene (1‐OHP) using a disposable molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) modified screen‐printed carbon electrode (MIP‐SPCE) has been developed. The MIP was synthesized according to a novel strategy, which is described, and is capable of rebinding the phenolic analyte, 1‐hydroxypyrene (1‐OHP), from high pH aqueous organic media, via ionic interactions. In the first step of our method 1‐OHP was accumulated at the MIP‐SPCE from 35% aqueous methanol containing 0.014 M NaOH and 0.14 M NaCl, at open circuit. In the second step, the resulting SPCE with accumulated 1‐OHP was then transferred to fresh, clean phosphate buffered aqueous methanol, and subjected to cyclic voltammetry (CV) or differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The latter technique proved to be more sensitive at detecting 1‐OHP, with a limit of detection of 182 nM and a linear range to 125 μM on unmodified electrodes. The possible effects of interference by related phenolic compounds in the MIP‐SPCE of 1‐OHP were investigated. Finally the method was evaluated by carrying out 1‐OHP determinations on spiked human urine samples; the recovery of 1‐OHP was 79.4% and the coefficient of variation was found to be 7.7% (n= 4) using a separate MIP‐SPCE for each determination. Therefore, the performance data suggests that the method is reliable at the concentrations examined in this study. The method was found to be superior to the direct determination of 1‐OHP in human urine by DPV alone, which was greatly affected by interference from uric acid.
Congo Red Immobilized on a Silica/Aniline Xerogel: Preparation and Application as an Amperometric Sensor for Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Pavan Flávio André , Schwingel Ribeiro Emerson , Gushikem Yoshitaka
Published: November 2004

Congo red (CR) was immobilized on a silica/aniline xerogel through electrostatic interaction. The dye is strongly retained and is not easily leached from the xerogel matrix. The material containing the adsorbed dye was used to prepare a carbon paste electrode and the electrochemical properties of the hybrid material were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The modified electrode was used to study the electrochemical oxidation of ascorbic acid. The adsorbed dye mediates ascorbic acid oxidation at the solid electrode surface‐solution interface at an anodic potential of 0.18 V at pH 7, in a 0.5 mol L−1 KCl solution. This novel modified carbon paste electrode shows good analytical performance for the determination of ascorbic acid in commercial Vitamin C tablets.
Sustainable development performance assessment
Authors: Beloff Beth , Tanzil Dicksen , Lines Marianne
Published: November 2004

With increasing pressure to act and report on sustainability strategies, an overwhelming number of principles, tools, results indicators, and reporting formats have emerged to measure and communicate a corporation's approach. Corporations make use of various initiatives and programs to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development. Yet participation in these initiatives and programs does not mean that a company is in fact becoming more sustainable or that it is recognizing real business value as a result.

Providing a review of some of the prevailing sustainability programs, approaches, and decision‐support tools, this paper fits the value of participating in particular initiatives into a more comprehensive view of sustainability. The paper provides a conceptual framework for a company to leverage its participation in existing sustainability initiatives to (1) assess its baseline sustainability performance and form the basis for improving its overall sustainability performance, and (2) reassess, align, and integrate its sustainability objectives and actions with its business objectives and actions. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2004
Prevention of fumonisin‐induced maternal and developmental toxicity in rats by certain plant extracts
Authors: Abdel‐Wahhab Mosaad A. , Hassan Azza M. , Amer Hany A. , Naguib Khayria M.
Published: November 2004

In earlier work we have reported that garlic and cabbage extracts can protect laboratory animals from the toxic effects of different mycotoxins. Previous research demonstrated that fumonisin (FB) induced developmental effects in mice, rats and hamsters. The objectives of the present study were to utilize the pregnant rat as an in vivo model to compare the potential of garlic and cabbage seed extracts to prevent the developmental toxicity of FB and the effects of these extracts on sphingolipid metabolism in dam and foetus livers. Six treatment groups included a control group, a group fed on an FB‐containing diet (150 mg kg−1 feed) and groups treated orally with garlic or cabbage extracts (5 mg kg−1 body wt.) with or without FB during gestation days 6–15. Evaluations of toxicity were performed on day 20. These include: maternal (mortality, body weight, feed intake and litter weight), developmental (embryonic resorption, foetal body weight, foetal soft‐tissue anomalies and foetal skeletal examinations) and maternal and foetal sphingolipid metabolism. Fumonisin alone resulted in signiﬁcant decreases in feed intake, body weight gain, litter weight, number of live foetuses and foetal body weight, whereas it increased signiﬁcantly the number of resorbed foetuses and the number of skeletal malformations (30.4% for skull and 26.08% for sternebrae) and also increased the sphinganine/sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio in dam but not fetus livers. Garlic alone or plus FB was comparable to the control regarding all the tested parameters. On the other hand, cabbage seed extract alone or plus FB resulted in 10% maternal mortality and a decrease in maternal body weight and litter weight. It resulted in 4.65% skull malformations in foetuses but it was comparable to the control with regard to the other tested parameters. It could be concluded that both garlic and cabbage seed extracts have protective effects in pregnant rats. Moreover, garlic extract was found to have a greater protective effect than cabbage seed extract. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low levels of sarin affect the eeg in marmoset monkeys: a pilot study
Authors: van Helden Herman P. M. , Vanwersch Raymond A. P. , Kuijpers Willem C. , Trap Henk C. , Philippens Ingrid H. C. , Benschop Hendrik P.
Published: November 2004

The main purpose of this pilot study was to estimate the lowest observable adverse effect level (LOAEL) for the electroencephalogram (EEG) upon long‐term, low‐level exposure of vehicle‐pretreated and pyridostigmine‐pretreated marmoset monkeys to sarin vapour. This is the C·t value (t = 5 h) of exposure at which the EEG becomes signiﬁcantly different from that resulting from air exposure of the same animals. The LOAELs for effects on the EEG in vehicle‐ and pyridostigmine‐pretreated marmosets appeared to be 0.2 and 0.1 mg min m−3, respectively. Comparatively, the latter LOAEL values are at least an order of magnitude lower than the previously established LOAEL for miosis and only 2–5 times higher than the lowest observable effect level (LOEL) of bound sarin in blood.

The second aim of the study was to analyse the EEG of the same marmosets again during a 5‐h exposure to air 1 year after exposure to sarin vapour. All the marmosets still demonstrated signiﬁcant (P < 0.05) EEG differences. In most vehicle‐pretreated marmosets the energy (µV2) per EEG band was higher than that observed 1 year earlier, which might indicate that neurons had become more sensitive to excitation. This phenomenon was less pronounced in pyridostigmine‐pretreated animals. Visual examination of the EEG records revealed clear bursts of alpha frequencies (ca. 9 Hz), resembling sleep‐spindles, that were present more frequently in both groups of exposed marmosets than in naive animals. These late changes in spindle oscillation might be the result of changes in the cholinergic system due to exposure to sarin vapour 1 year previously.

In conclusion, EEG abnormalities persisting for more than 1 year may occur in humans during long‐term (5 h) exposure to subclinical levels of sarin that are not detectable by the currently ﬁelded alarm systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strain‐ and sex‐related differences of carbonyl reductase activities in kidney microsomes and cytosol of rats
Authors: Imamura Yorishige , Shimada Hideaki
Published: November 2004

This study was designed to elucidate strain‐ and sex‐related differences of carbonyl reductase activity in rat kidney by using the oral antidiabetic drug acetohexamide as substrate. The frequency distribution of carbonyl reductase activities in kidney microsomes of male Fischer 344 (Fischer), Sprague‐Dawley, Wistar and Wistar‐Imamichi (Wistar‐IM) rats exhibited a marked strain‐related difference. Furthermore, the enzyme activities in kidney microsomes of Fischer, Sprague‐Dawley and Wistar rats were male‐speciﬁc, resulting in signiﬁcant sex‐related differences in these strains. There was no sex‐related difference of carbonyl reductase activity in kidney microsomes of the Wistar‐IM strain, which lacked its activity in both sexes. On the other hand, although carbonyl reductase activities were fully detectable in kidney cytosols from all the strains of male and female rats, no strain‐ or sex‐related difference was observed among the cytosolic enzyme activities. These results provide new information for understanding the inﬂuence of internal factors on the renal metabolism of ketone‐containing xenobiotics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From mirror self‐recognition to the looking‐glass self: Exploring the Justification Hypothesis
Authors: Shaffer Leigh S.
Published: November 2004

In his Tree of Knowledge (ToK) System, Henriques (2003) posits that the human ego or “self” has evolved because human beings are the only animals that have had to justify their behavior to others. This essay provides evidence for this Justification Hypothesis (JH) from everyday life sociology, starting with the work of George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley, and focuses on research related to the concept of the “looking‐glass self.” Special emphasis is given to the pragmatics of speech acts, the presentation of self in interaction rituals, the accounts given by actors in justification of their actions, and the role of social norms and conformity in the large‐scale justification systems commonly called “culture.” © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Young Women's Leadership Alliance: Youth–adult partnerships in an all‐female after‐school program
Authors: Denner Jill , Meyer Beth , Bean Steve
Published: November 2004

This article describes program strategies and adult practices that can build youth–adult partnerships. In particular, it focuses on strategies to empower girls in all‐female after‐school programs. The Young Women's Leadership Alliance has involved 164 girl leaders and five adult women leaders over three years. To build the partnerships, adults made two key contributions: provided guidance rather than instruction, and created a place where girls can know and speak their minds. We describe specific practices and draw on analyses of the qualitative data to provide evidence of the utility of the practices for creating youth–adult partnerships that empower and engage girls. Three program practices may be particularly relevant for all‐female programs: legitimizing a range of leadership styles, creating a way for all voices to be heard, and creating a norm of respectful disagreement. This article also highlights the importance of peer relationships in building effective youth–adult partnerships. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 33: 87–100, 2005.
Impact of lung volume on MR signal intensity changes of the lung parenchyma
Authors: Bankier Alexander A. , O'Donnell Carl R. , Mai Vu M. , Storey Pippa , De Maertelaer Viviane , Edelman Robert R. , Chen Qun
Published: November 2004

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that, in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of healthy individuals, equal relative changes in lung volume cause equal relative changes in MR signal intensity of the lung parenchyma.

Materials and Methods

In two experimental runs, 10 volunteers underwent spirometrically monitored MR imaging of the lungs, with MR images acquired at 10 incremental lung volumes ranging from total lung capacity to 10% above residual volume. Average signal intensity, signal variability, and signal intensity integrals were calculated for each volunteer and for each lung volume. The effect of lung volume on signal intensity was quantified using linear regression analysis complemented by the runs test. Slopes and intercepts of regression lines were compared with an analysis of covariance. Slopes of the lines of best fit for lung volumes and signal intensities from the two runs were compared to the slope of the line of identity. Comparisons between the two runs were visualized using Bland and Altman plots.

Results

The slopes of the 10 individual regression lines yielded no significant differences (F = 1.703, P = 0.101; F = 1.321, P = 0.239). The common slopes were –0.556 ± 0.027 (P = 0.0001) for the first and –0.597 ± 0.0031 (P = 0.0001) for the second experimental run. Both slopes displayed no significant nonlinearity (P = 0.419 and P = 0.067). There was a strong association between changes in lung volumes (rs = 0.991, P = 0.0001) and changes in signal intensity (rs = 0.889, P = 0.0001) in the two experimental runs. Lines of best fit for lung volume and signal intensities were not significantly different from the slope of the line of identity (P = 0.321 and P = 0.212, respectively).

Conclusion

Equal changes in lung volume cause equal changes in MR signal intensity of the lung parenchyma. This linear and reproducible phenomenon could be helpful in comparing pulmonary MR signal intensity between individuals. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:961–966. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of FAST gradient echo MRI sequences: Phantom study
Authors: Perrin Rosalind L. , Ivancevic Marko K. , Kozerke Sebastian , Vallee Jean‐Paul
Published: November 2004

Purpose

To investigate a balanced steady state free precession sequence (b‐SSFP) under a large range of conditions and to compare its performance with other types of gradient echo sequences for dynamic imaging.

Materials and Methods

Balanced turbo field echo (b‐TFE; Philips Medical Systems, Best, The Netherlands) was investigated in vitro at a range of T2/T1 along with T1‐contrast enhanced turbo field echo (T1‐TFE) and turbo field echo (TFE) so that a comparison could be made. Performance was quantified in terms of the initial slope of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) vs. 1/T1 curve (sensitivity) and the range of 1/T1 before signal saturation (contrast dynamic range [CDR]).

Results

The b‐TFE sequence was found to best perform, in terms of an optimal CDR, with a 90° flip angle (FA), saturation preparation, and short inversion time. Using these parameters, the sensitivity was also higher than that of the TFE sequence and T1‐TFE sequence under their respective optimal conditions. For detection of small changes in contrast agent concentration (0.0–0.1 mM), b‐TFE was also found to be the sequence of choice, with optimized parameters as follows, 90° FA, shortest TR/TE, and no magnetization preparation. The smallest matrices gave the highest signal sensitivity for all three sequences.

Conclusion

The CDR of b‐TFE was much narrower than that of T1‐TFE but could be widened under optimized conditions. The sensitivity of the b‐TFE technique was the highest of the three sequences under all conditions tested. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:1030–1038. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.