bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of diameter on force generation and responsiveness of bronchial segments and rings
Authors: Gray PR , Mitchell HW
Published: June 2003

In this study, isovolumic bronchial segments and bronchial rings were used to investigate the influence of airway diameter on smooth muscle force generation and acetylcholine responsiveness. Segments with internal diameters ranging from 1.0-6.0 mm were obtained from the mainstem bronchus of eight pigs. Responses to increasing acetylcholine concentrations were quantified in segments by intralumenal pressure (cmH2O), and in rings by tension (g.cm-1). The negative log of the concentration producing half the maximal effect (EC50) (i.e. pD2) to acetylcholine was calculated for each segment and ring. Ring tension was used to calculate a theoretical lumen pressure for each ring, and this, along with the pD2, was compared with values obtained from segments of the same diameter. Intermediate-sized segments produced significantly greater intralumenal pressures than did large or small segments. Small segments were 160 times more sensitive to acetylcholine than large segments. In contrast to the segments, bronchial rings showed no effect of size on acetylcholine sensitivity. Theoretical ring lumen pressures matched those measured for large and intermediate segments, but not for small segments. The different behaviour of bronchial segments and rings obtained from the same sized airway suggests that the three-dimensional architecture of the airway is an important factor in determining behaviour, particularly in small airways.
Immunocytochemical evidence for extra-cellular initiation of elastase-induced bronchial secretory cell metaplasia in hamsters
Authors: Christensen TG , Alonso PA
Published: June 2003

The bronchus is the only region of the hamster conducting airways to develop secretory cell metaplasia after an intratracheal instillation of human neutrophil elastase (HNE). We tested the hypothesis that this pathological change occurs because of cellular uptake of the enzyme that is specific to this region. HNE, dissolved in saline, was instilled into the trachea of hamsters, that were sacrificed 5, 15, 30 or 60 min later for immunocytochemical localization of the enzyme. Saline-treated animals served as controls. By light microscopy, HNE was evident only in the lumen and upon the epithelial surface in all airways, at all time points. Saline control tissues were negative. Electron microscopic immunogold staining revealed HNE within luminal macrophages and associated with mucus and, to a limited extent, upon the apical cell surface both in trachea and bronchus. A small amount of HNE staining occurred in the intercellular space and lamina propria of bronchi. Cytoplasmic gold particles were sparse both in treated and control animals. We conclude that instilled neutrophil elastase is excluded from the epithelial cytoplasm regardless of region. We thus reject the hypothesis of airway cellular uptake of HNE and suggest that stimulation of bronchial secretory cells to accumulate mucin granules is initiated at the cell surface, possibly by unmasking or altering region-specific receptors involved in signal transduction pathways governing mucin granule synthesis.
Modulation of human bronchial epithelial cell IIICS fibronectin mRNA in vitro
Authors: Rosi E , Beckmann JD , Pladsen P , Rennard SI , Romberger DJ
Published: June 2003

Fibronectin (Fn) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein which is involved in wound repair, including repair of injured airway epithelium. Bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) are known to produce Fn which has enhanced chemotactic activity compared to serum Fn. Alternative splicing of the Fn gene is an important mechanism by which cells regulate the production of Fn. Human BECs produce Fn which contains the EIIIA region, but the expression of IIICS region variants has not previously been reported. Our purpose was to better define the molecular characteristics of human BEC Fn by determining the expression of alternative splice variants of the IIICS region of Fn of human BECs in vitro. Human bronchial epithelial cells obtained from bronchoscopy were cultured. To examine the presence of IIICS messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) variants, we synthesized oligonucleotide primers complementary to the published human fibronectin complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) sequence of the IIICS domain for use in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) with total ribonucleic acid (RNA) extracted from cultured human BECs. To examine the modulation of IIICS mRNA expression, the 428 base pair (bp) DNA fragment generated in the PCR was oligo-labelled with 32[P]-deoxycytidine triphosphate (dCTP) for use as a probe for Northern blot analysis. Human BECs were cultured in the presence and absence of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and agents which influence cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) including isoproterenol and dibutryl cAMP (db-cAMP). Total RNA from cultures was extracted, electrophoresis performed, and Northern blots obtained. Blots were hybridized with IIICS probe, total Fn cDNA, and tubulin cDNA. It was found that human BECs in culture expressed the five known human IIICS variants. TGF-beta enhanced the expression of IIICS mRNA in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion. Isoproterenol and db-cAMP both reduced the expression of IIICS mRNA and attenuated the TGF-beta induction. Changes in IIICS mRNA paralleled changes in total Fn mRNA, suggesting that these agents do not selectively modulate only the IIICS domain of Fn. We conclude that human airway epithelial cell Fn in vitro does contain mRNA for five IIICS variants, and that IIICS mRNA can be modulated by TGF-beta and agents which influence cAMP. It is unknown whether alterations in IIICS variants contribute to the functional differences previously observed between airway epithelial cell Fn and plasma-derived Fn.
Measurement of nitric oxide in human nasal airway
Authors: Imada M , Iwamoto J , Nonaka S , Kobayashi Y , Unno T
Published: June 2003

The nasal output of nitric oxide (NO) is known to be high, but there have been varying reports of the exact level. We attempted to establish a quantitative measurement of nasal NO, and looked for a possible relationship with nasal resistance, at rest and during exercise. Nasal airway ventilation was performed by using an air pump at a constant flow rate, whilst the soft palate was elevated voluntarily. In a preliminary study, the flow rate for sampling was changed and concentrations of NO were measured. After determination of flow rate, rhinomanometry for nasal resistance and measurement of nasal NO by chemiluminescence were carried out before and after moderate exercise. The concentration of NO ([NO]) exhibited a hyperbolic relationship with flow rate of ventilation (V'E), indicating [NO] x V'E = net nitric oxide output (V'NO) = constant. Hence, nasal NO was expressed quantitatively as V'NO (nL.min-1). For 1 L.min-1 of ventilation, [NO] varied between 2 and 500 parts per billion (ppb) (mean = 323 ppb). The average nasal V'NO in 12 healthy male subjects was 323 +/- 91 nL.min-1 (mean +/- SD). After exercise on a treadmill (10 degrees, 5 km.h-1) for 4 min, nasal V'NO decreased to 229 +/- 63 nL.min-1. At rest, expiratory and inspiratory nasal resistance was 0.27 +/- 0.04 and 0.27 +/- 0.06 Pa.s.cm-3, respectively. After exercise, expiratory and inspiratory nasal resistance decreased to 0.17 +/- 0.04 and 0.16 +/- 0.04 Pa.s.cm-3, respectively. These data indicate that nasal NO can be measured quantitatively as V'NO and might be involved in the control of nasal resistance.
Role of NO in the pulmonary artery hyporeactivity to phenylephrine in experimental biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Chabot F , Mestiri H , Sabry S , Dall'Ava-Santucci J , Lockhart A , Dinh-Xuan AT
Published: June 2003

The aim of this study was to see whether increased activity of nitric oxide (NO) might account for decreased pulmonary vascular tone seen in the hyperdynamic circulation of cirrhosis. We compared the pulmonary vascular reactivity of isolated pulmonary arteries (PA) from control rats (n = 10), and rats with biliary cirrhosis (n = 10) induced by chronic bile duct ligation (4 weeks). The responses of PA rings to cumulative concentrations of phenylephrine, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside were studied, and also the effects of inhibition of synthesis of NO by the L-arginine analogue, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) in PA rings challenged with cumulative concentrations of phenylephrine and acetylcholine. The contractile response to phenylephrine was significantly reduced in cirrhotic PA rings as compared with controls. Pretreatment with L-NOARG (10(-4) M) significantly increased the contractile response to phenylephrine in PA rings from cirrhotic rats but not in control PA rings. Furthermore, L-NOARG restored the response to phenylephrine in cirrhotic PA rings back to normal. There was no difference in the relaxation of PA rings from both groups in response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. We conclude that in vitro pulmonary artery ring hyporeactivity to phenylephrine results from increased nitric oxide production in the pulmonary circulation of cirrhotic rats and might account for the hepatopulmonary syndrome.
Long-term canine exposure studies with ambient air pollutants
Authors: Heyder J , Takenaka S
Published: June 2003

Dogs are often the species of choice as an experimental model for the study of pulmonary responses to long-term exposure to air pollutants in chambers simulating environmental or occupational exposure in man. Their lungs bear a reasonable resemblance to human lungs, they are large enough to allow serial measurements of pulmonary responses, and they live long enough to ensure that findings are not confounded by aging. Several long-term canine exposure studies with ambient air pollutants have been performed since 1957: seven studies with gaseous and particulate sulphur (IV); three studies with nitrogen oxides; three studies with ozone; two studies with acidic particles; three studies with mixtures of sulphurous pollutants that might have resembled the 1952 London smog; and one study in which raw and ultra violet (UV)-irradiated motor vehicle exhaust and sulphurous pollutants were used. The findings support the hypothesis that long-term exposure to air pollutants at ambient levels might cause bronchitic lesions (sulphur oxide), emphysematous lesions (nitrogen dioxide) or fibrotic lesions (ozone). None of the studies showed an indication of synergistic effects. To improve our understanding of pulmonary responses initiated by the inhalation of pollutants over long periods of time, new concepts are needed. Investigators should consider studies with canine models of cardiopulmonary diseases, the application of novel immunological and molecular biology techniques, the phenomena of tolerance and adaptation to inhaled air pollution, and exposure atmospheres with increasing complexity, including fine and ultrafine particles.
Stent flexibility: an essential feature in the treatment of dynamic airway collapse
Authors: Hautmann H , Huber RM
Published: June 2003

Implantation of endobronchial stents for treatment of dynamic airway collapse represents a suitable therapeutic option to alleviate distressing symptoms. We report the case of a 43 year old patient suffering from progressive respiratory distress 2 weeks after insertion of a balloon-expandable radial noncompliant Palmaz stent in an unstable segment of the left main bronchus, with the aim of preventing symptomatic airway collapse. Bronchial instability had developed following sleeve resection of the right lung due to adenoid cystic carcinoma. Explanation revealed compression and deformation of the stent. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) had declined a low of 1.38 L.s-1 (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 1.02 L). With placement of a Strecker stent, having the ability to re-expand within certain limits, bronchial collapse could be avoided and marked clinical improvement as well as expiratory flow increase was noted (PEF 7.10 L.s-1; FEV1 = 2.03 L). At 13 months follow-up, clinical status was unchanged. A decline in forced expiratory flow (PEF 5.96 L.s-1; FEV1 1.69 L), however, indicated a possible change in the structural integrity of the Strecker stent. We conclude that physical properties of endobronchial stents may be crucial for good functional results in major airway collapse. Stiff prostheses, when compressed, can induce severe airway obstruction.
Plastic bronchitis
Authors: Park JY , Elshami AA , Kang DS , Jung TH
Published: June 2003

Plastic bronchitis is generally associated with some type of pulmonary disease and improves either spontaneously or with medical therapy. We present a case of plastic bronchitis with no known cause. The patients' symptoms were not responsive to medical therapy but were relieved after right middle lobectomy.
Maximization of slice height with uniformity in surface roughness in the direct slicing of freeform surfaces
Authors: Kumar Aloke , Banerjee Ashis Gopal , Paul S , Choudhury A Roy
Published: June 2003

In most of the direct slicing strategies, the deviation between the computer aided design (CAD) model and the built-up part is estimated as the cusp height in normal vertical sections (NVSs) at points all around the slice contour. In the present investigation, the error is also estimated in inclined normal sections (INSs) in an attempt to maximize the slice height and simultaneously obtain a uniform surface roughness of the part. It is found that the number of slices is drastically reduced by the application of the proposed strategy when compared with first-order approximation with error calculation in NVSs. It is also interesting to note that slice height maximization is not necessarily accompanied with any significant, simultaneous reduction in machining time.
Hybrid genetic design of GMDH-type neural networks using singular value decomposition for modelling and prediction of the explosive cutting process
Authors: Nariman-Zadeh N , Darvizeh A , Ahmad-Zadeh G R
Published: June 2003

A genetic algorithm and singular value decomposition (SVD) are deployed simultaneously for optimal design of both connectivity configuration and the values of coefficients respectively involved in group method of data handling (GMDH)-type neural networks, which are used for modelling the explosive cutting process of plates by shaped charges. The aim of such modelling is to show how the depth of penetration varies with the variation in important parameters, namely the apex angle, standoff, liner thickness and mass of charge. It is also demonstrated that SVD can be effectively used to find the vector of coefficiencs of quadratic subexpressions embodied in such GMDH-type networks. Such application of SVD will improve the performance of evolved GMDH-type networks to model the very complex process of explosive cutting of plates by shaped charges.
Concurrent metal stamping part and die development system
Authors: Tang D , Eversheim W , Schuh G , Chin K-S
Published: June 2003

This paper develops a general approach and a system tool for concurrent metal stamping part and die development. After analysis of the characteristics of the metal stamping development process and the interaction level among part design and die design activities, the needs for concurrent stamping part and die design are explored in depth, and an activity model for concurrent stamping part and die development is presented. A framework is proposed to support concurrent stamping part and die development by providing computer aided environments for part, process and die design, advisory tools for part stampability evaluation and part cost estimation, as well as process and die evaluation, and knowledge bases incorporated in the advisory tools. According to the framework, a design support strategy for concurrent stamping part and die development is investigated to guide the coordination of design activities including material selection, part stampability evaluation, process planning and die design, as well as cost estimation. Based on the proposed approach and strategy, the system prototype has been developed employing the knowledge-based approach. The results of this research will facilitate the rationalization of stamping part and die development and thus reduce the cost of metal stamping development.
Integrated flexible design and assembly system
Authors: Boër C R , Pedrazzoli P , Rinaldi R , De Pascale G , Larizza P , Chiabra P
Published: June 2003

The paper presents the research and development efforts aimed at achieving an integrated design and manufacturing system for assembly. The project's main objective is to develop methodologies and tools to design and manage a complete flexible assembly system and the design and realization of modular stations to be integrated in a flexible assembly line. A pilot plant to test and verify the results obtained at the virtual stage has also been implemented. A computer aided assembly planning simulation for the design of management rules, three-dimensional simulation of robots (serial and parallel) and the on and off control of the whole system will be described. The results of the project are tested in a specifically designed and implemented system for the assembly of electromechanical components, made by cells for manipulation and assembly, quality control and testing, and distribution of components and groups.
The use of the TI2 manufacturing system on a double-curvature aerospace panel
Authors: Eastwood S J , Webb P , McKeown C
Published: June 2003

The aircraft manufacturing industry is continually seeking new techniques for the automation of manufacturing and assembly tasks. The application of automation is limited by the size and compliance of the structures, the low manufacturing volumes and the inherent dimensional variability between assemblies. In addition, a further requirement is to reduce the reliance on complex fixturing systems through the adoption of techniques enabling a ‘jigless assembly’ philosophy. The University of Nottingham recently completed a study as part of the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)-funded Jigless Aerospace Manufacturing (JAM) Project into the use of the TI2 system to meet the objectives outlined above. The paper presents the practical work completed and the results obtained from the machining of a double curvature aircraft panel.
Dimensioning of partially heat-treated parts with possible non-uniform shrinkage/expansion
Authors: Thimm G
Published: June 2003

A procedure to calculate working dimensions in the presence of partial heat treatment or the presence of non-uniform shrinkage/expansion is presented. The procedure is equally suitable for manual and computer-based dimensioning.
Active control of machine tool vibrations in external turning operations
Authors: Andrén L , Häkansson L , Claesson I
Published: June 2003

Vibration and noise in metal cutting are ubiquitous problems in the workshop. The external turning operation is one kind of metal cutting that exhibits vibration-related problems. Severe noise is also a problem growing in proportion due to regulations in preventing hearing loss. Active vibration control is a potential solution to such problems. With the piezoceramic actuator technology of today, the size of the actuator can be kept small and still be able to produce a sufficient amount of force for the antivibrations. Results from several continuous cutting experiments show a 40 dB reduction of the cutting tool vibration level. The design of the active technique enables this technology to be applicable to a general lathe, provided the mounting arrangement is fairly similar.
Performance of hospital-at-home after a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wilson Andrew , Parker Hilda , Wynn Alison , Spiers Nicky
Published: June 2003

Objective: To compare the performance of an admission-avoidance hospital-at-home scheme one year after the end of a randomised trial with its performance during the trial.

Methods: Observational study of patients admitted to the scheme during a period of 12-19 months after the trial ended. In addition to routine data from service records, patients were interviewed at three days, two weeks and three months after admission, using the same instruments as used in the trial.

Results: All 78 patients admitted to hospital-at-home during the follow-up period were included, and compared with the 95 patients admitted during the trial. The referral rate to hospital-at-home was the same (11 per month) as during the trial. During the trial, patients were randomised to hospital-at-home or hospital, meaning that hospital-at-home worked at about double the trial volume in the post-trial period. Baseline characteristics showed no statistically significant differences except that post-trial patients were less cognitively impaired. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in survival at two weeks and three months, or in Barthel index, Sickness Impact Profile 68 and Philadelphia Geriatric Morale Scale. Length of stay in hospital-at-home was significantly shorter in the post-trial period (median of five days versus seven, P < 0.001), and more patients received a visit from their general practitioner during the period of admission (54% versus 38%, P = 0.04); otherwise there were no significant differences in process measures.

Conclusion: Apart from working at higher volume and achieving a shorter length of stay, performance of the hospital-at-home scheme a year after the trial ended was little different from that reported during the trial. This is an example of an observational study providing evidence to support the generalisability of trial findings.
The Patient Information Advisory Group and the use of patient-identifiable data
Authors: Higgins Joan
Published: June 2003

Patient confidentiality has been a matter of concern in the English National Health Service (NHS) for many years. A number of recent events have triggered the demand for a more concerted programme of change to eliminate the use of patient-identifiable data and to devise more acceptable alternatives. The Caldicott Committee, in 1997, set out the case for change and legislation in 1998 (the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act) and emphasised the need for urgent action. A number of public inquiries into failures of care in the NHS (at Bristol Royal Infirmary and Alder Hey Hospital) pointed to the failure to seek consent as a major issue for the NHS. Whilst accepting the need for change, the Government, in drafting the Health and Social Care Act 2001, allowed for the fact that some organisations and individuals would need time to move towards anonymisation of data (reversible or irreversible) or to obtain patient consent. Under Section 60 of the Act it established the Patient Information Advisory Group (PIAG). PIAG advises government ministers on circumstances in which the continued use of patient-identifiable data should be permitted, as a temporary measure.

PIAG faces a number of challenges as it develops its programme of work: how to maintain the pace of change towards anonymisation, how to ensure compliance with the law, how or whether to share information across organisational boundaries in the interests of citizens, how consent should be obtained and how to achieve “joined up” working across those organisations that are charged with promoting confidentiality and privacy.
Privacy and the secondary use of data for health research: experience in Canada and suggested directions forward
Authors: Willison Donald
Published: June 2003

This paper has three parts. The first part describes developments in the use of personal information for health research in Canada, challenges in responding to new data protection legislation and the work of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in assisting the research community to adapt to these developments.

The second part critiques two aspects of the stakeholder analysis posited in William Lowrance's report: the lack of an analysis of researchers'interests as distinct from those of society at large, and the framing of privacy as an individual interest. I argue for recasting the privacy and research tension as a values conflict between two societal goods and not an individual versus a societal interest, and for explicitly acknowledging researchers’ interests as data users. In so doing, there is no clear trump of privacy or research, and greater importance is placed upon the weighing of benefits and risks of individual studies to determine whether the waiving of consent for a particular study or programme of research is justified.

The third part makes specific suggestions as to future ways in which data use practices may evolve. I argue the need to engage the public in deliberating the broad parameters under which personal information will be used, as the public collectively has a major stake in this issue and their input provides legitimacy for these uses of information. In addition, given the proliferation of prospectively-developed databases for research purposes, a “systems” approach for obtaining consent for participation to replace the current study-by-study recruitment of individuals is appropriate.
Is what's mine my own?
Authors: Cayton Harry , Denegri Simon
Published: June 2003

This paper examines the key issues around privacy and the secondary use of data in health research from the perspective of patients and the public. It argues that there is low public awareness and understanding of the issues around medical privacy and deep public unease over the extent to which public and private bodies have access to personal information. Quoting a recent example from the field of dementia, it challenges the notion that all research is necessarily in the public interest. It argues that a socially sustainable system for the secondary use of data that preserves the gift relationship in research is dependent on there being strong systems to enforce privacy and confidentiality. Underpinning this is a need to involve patients and their representatives in the development of any new system.
Secondary use of personal data for health and health services research: why identifiable data are essential
Authors: Black Nick
Published: June 2003

Databases provide a powerful and essential resource for health and health services research. There are seven reasons why the identification of individuals may be needed: linkage within a database; linkage between databases; ensuring comparisons are meaningful; ensuring completeness of recruitment; investigation of social factors; analysis of trends over time; and assessing the applicability of primary research findings. Examples of recent British research studies for which identifiable data were essential are described to illustrate six research applications: to understand the natural history and development of disease; to identify causes of disease; to evaluate health care interventions; to assess equity of care; to describe trends in health care utilisation; and to ensure the methodological rigour of research. Given the benefits to the public of such research activities, methods need to be found to ensure the continuation of such research while meeting legitimate concerns about individual privacy and confidentiality.
A new flashbulb memory model applied to the Marmara earthquake
Authors: Er Nurhan
Published: June 2003

This study was based on the recollections of people who experienced the Marmara earthquake and those who had no direct experience with it but only heard it on the news. Four models of flashbulb memory (the photographic model, the comprehensive model, the emotional‐integrative model and the importance‐driven emotional reactions model) were compared in the study. Findings indicated that the importance‐driven emotional reactions model provided a better fit to the data than the others for victim and comparison groups. In order to verify the accuracy and consistency of flashbulb memories, a small sub‐sample of participants from both groups was tested twice after the first anniversary of the quake. The results indicated that the Marmara earthquake was accurately recalled and flashbulb memories about the event are consistent after a delay of one year. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remembering dreamt and actual experiences
Authors: Kemp Simon , Burt Christopher D. B. , Sheen Mercedes
Published: June 2003

We investigated confusions of dreams and real events and the perceived and remembered qualities of the two types of experience. Studies 1 and 2 indicated that many people report occasional confusions of dreams and reality. In Study 3 diarists recorded brief descriptions of their dreamt and actual experiences over a 3‐month period, and later classified the experiences and rated their qualities. There were few confusions of dreamt and real experiences, although independent raters sometimes could not distinguish them on the basis of the descriptions. The qualities of the memories for the two types of experience were often different and discriminant function analysis of these qualities classified the experiences rather well, although not as well as the diarists. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small feedback‐based decisions and their limited correspondence to description‐based decisions
Authors: Barron Greg , Erev Ido
Published: June 2003

The present paper explores situations in which the information available to decision makers is limited to feedback concerning the outcomes of their previous decisions. The results reveal that experience in these situations can lead to deviations from maximization in the opposite direction of the deviations observed when the decisions are made based on a description of the choice problem. Experience was found to lead to a reversed common ratio/certainty effect, more risk seeking in the gain than in the loss domain, and to an underweighting of small probabilities. Only one of the examined properties of description‐based decisions, loss aversion, seems to emerge robustly in these ‘feedback‐based’ decisions. These results are summarized with a simple model that illustrates that all the unique properties of feedback‐based decisions can be a product of a tendency to rely on recent outcomes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study of spatial distribution of propolis in comb of Apis mellifera carnica (Pollm.)
Authors: Strehle M. A. , Jenke F. , Fröhlich B. , Tautz J. , Riederer M. , Kiefer W. , Popp J.
Published: June 2003

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy and Raman mapping are applied to investigate the spatial distribution and chemical composition of wax and propolis in the comb of Apis mellifera carnica (Pollm). A thick layer of propolis at the rim of some cells is identified by Raman spectroscopy. Raman mapping is applied to resolve the distribution of propolis and wax on a micron scale. Both components are connected at the rim of the cell with a mixture of wax and propolis. A layer of almost pure propolis is found on top of the mixture. It appears that even in the mixture, where both components come into close contact, the propolis and the wax remain separated and keep their chemical identity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 72: 000–000, 2003
Raman and IR study on copper binding of histamine
Authors: Torreggiani A. , Tamba M. , Bonora S. , Fini G.
Published: June 2003

A comparative Raman and FTIR study of histamine (Hm), a small hormone present in a wide selection of living organisms, and its complexes with copper(II) at different pH values was carried out. Both the Raman and IR spectra present some marker bands useful for the identification of the structure of the species predominating in the Cu(II) aqueous and alcoholic systems. In particular, Raman spectroscopy appears to be a useful tool for analyzing the tautomeric equilibrium of the imidazole ring of Hm, because some bands (i.e., νC4C5) appear at different wavenumbers, depending on whether the imidazole moiety is in the Nτ‐H (tautomer I) or Nπ‐H (tautomer II) protonated form. In aqueous solutions the manner in which Hm binds to Cu(II) depends on the pH. At basic pH the most relevant species formed are a dimer, [Cu2L2H−2]2+, and a monomeric complex, [CuL]2− or [CuL2]+. On the contrary, by decreasing the pH, Hm acts as a mono‐ or bidentate ligand, giving rise to two types of monomeric complexes, [CuLH]2− and [CuL]2− or [CuL2]+. With respect to the Cu(II)–Hm alcoholic system, both the aminic group and the imidazole ring (tautomer I) take part in the Cu(II) coordination, leading to the formation of the [CuL]2− or [CuL2]+ monomeric complex. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy), 2003
Mapping functional associations in the entire genome of Drosophila melanogaster using fusion analysis
Authors: Iliopoulos Ioannis , Enright Anton J. , Poullet Patrick , Ouzounis Christos A.
Published: June 2003

We have previously shown that the detection of gene fusion events can contribute towards the elucidation of functional associations of proteins within entire genomes. Here we have analysed the entire genome of Drosophila melanogaster using fusion analysis and two additional constraints that improve the reliability of the predictions, viz. low sequence similarity and low degree of paralogy of the component proteins involved in a fusion event. Imposing these constraints, the total number of unique component pairs is reduced from 18 654 to a mere 220 cases, which are expected to represent some of the most reliably detected functionally associated proteins. Using additional information from sequence databases, we have been able to detect pairs of functionally associated proteins with important functions in cellular and developmental pathways, such as spermatogenesis and programmed cell death. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ORF organization and gene recognition in the yeast genome
Authors: Luo Liaofu , Li Hong , Zhang Lirong
Published: June 2003

Some rules on gene recognition and ORF organization in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome are demonstrated by statistical analyses of sequence data. This study includes: (a) The random frame rule—that the six reading frames W1, W2, W3, C1, C2 and C3 in the double‐stranded genome are randomly occupied by ORFs (related phenomena on ORF overlapping are also discussed). (b) The inhomogeneity rule—coding and non‐coding ORFs differ in inhomogeneity of base composition in the three codon positions. By use of the inhomogeneity index (IHI), one can make a distinction between coding (IHI > 14) and non‐coding (IHI ≤ 14) ORFs at 95% accuracy. We find that ‘spurious’ ORFs (with IHI ≤ 14) are distributed mainly in three classes of ORFs, namely, those with ‘similarity to unknown proteins’, those with ‘no similarity’, or ‘questionable ORFs’. The total number of spurious ORFs (which are unlikely to be regarded as coding ORFs) is estimated to be 470. (c) The evaluation of ORF length distribution shows that below 200 amino acids the occurrence of ATG initiator ORFs is close to random. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of polymorphisms in the human IL4 and IL5 genes with atopic bronchial asthma and severity of the disease
Authors: Freidin Maxim B. , Kobyakova Olga S. , Ogorodova Ludmila M. , Puzyrev Valery P.
Published: June 2003

Two polymorphisms in the IL4 (G/C 3′‐UTR) and IL5 (C‐703T) genes were studied in a sample of families whose probands had atopic bronchial asthma (BA) (66 families, n = 183) and in a group of non‐cognate individuals with the severe form of the disease (n = 34). The samples were collected from the Russian population in the city of Tomsk (Russia). Using the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT), a significant association of allele C‐703 IL5 with BA was established (TDT = 4.923, p = 0.007 ± 0.0007). The analysis of 40 individuals with mild asthma and 49 patients with the severe form of the disease revealed a negative association of genotype GG IL4 (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.15–0.99, p = 0.035), and also a trend towards a positive association of the GC IL4 genotype (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 0.98–6.57, p = 0.052) with mild BA. There was a concordance of the clinical classification of BA severity with the ‘genotype’ (McNemar's X2 test with continuity correction constituted 0.03, d.f. = 1, p = 0.859). These results suggest that polymorphisms in the IL4 and IL5 genes contribute to the susceptibility to atopic BA and could determine the clinical course of the disease. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methylation analysis of several tumour suppressor genes shows a low frequency of methylation of CDKN2A and RARB in uveal melanomas
Authors: Zeschnigk Michael , Tschentscher Frank , Lich Christina , Brandt Birgit , Horsthemke Bernhard , Lohmann Dietmar R.
Published: June 2003

We have investigated the frequency of methylation of several tumour suppressor genes in uveal melanoma. As the loss of one copy of chromosome 3 (monosomy 3), which is found in about half of these tumours, is tightly associated with metastatic disease, a special emphasis was laid on genes located on this chromosome, including the fragile histidine triad (FHIT), von Hippel–Lindau (VHL), β‐catenin (CTNNB1), activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) and retinoic acid receptor‐β2 (RARB) genes. In addition, the methylation patterns of the CpG‐rich regions 5′ of the E‐cadherin ( CDH1), p16/cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2 A (CDKN2A) and retinoblastoma (RB1) genes were analysed by bisulphite genomic sequencing or methylation‐specific PCR (MSP). Furthermore, the SNRPN and D15S63 loci, which are located in the imprinted region of chromosome 15, were included in the study. Aberrant methylation was detected in nine of 40 tumours analysed: The imprinted SNRPN and D15S63 loci were hypermethylated in three tumours, all of which retained both copies of chromosome 3. Methylated RARB alleles were detected in three tumours, whereas in three other tumours CDKN2A was found to be methylated. As we did not find RARB and CDKN2A preferentially methylated in tumours with monosomy 3, which is a significant predictor of metastatic disease, we suggest that these genes may play a causative role in the formation of uveal melanoma but not in the development of metastases. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ordering and Clathrate Hydrate Formation in Co‐deposits of Xenon and Water at Low Temperatures
Authors: Nakayama Hirokazu , Klug Dennis D. , Ratcliffe Christopher I. , Ripmeester John A.
Published: June 2003

Local ordering in co‐deposits of water and xenon atoms produced at low temperatures can be followed uniquely by 129Xe NMR spectroscopy. In water‐rich samples deposited at 10 K and observed at 77 K, xenon NMR results show that there is a wide distribution of arrangements of water molecules around xenon atoms. This starts to order into the definite coordination for the structure I, large and small cages, when samples are annealed at ∼140 K, although the process is not complete until a temperature of 180 K is reached, as shown by powder Xray diffraction. There is evidence that Xe⋅20 H2O clusters are prominent in the early stages of crystallization. In xenon‐rich deposits at 77 K there is evidence of xenon atoms trapped in Xe⋅20 H2O clusters, which are similar to the small hydration shells or cages observed in hydrate structures, but not in the larger water clusters consisting of 24 or 28 water molecules. These observations are in agreement with results obtained on the formation of Xe hydrate on the surface of ice surfaces by using hyperpolarized Xe NMR spectroscopy. The results indicate that for the various different modes of hydrate formation, both from Xe reacting with amorphous water and with crystalline ice surfaces, versions of the small cage are important structures in the early stages of crystallization.
The Quest for PdII–PdII Interactions: Structural and Spectroscopic Studies and Ab Initio Calculations on Dinuclear [Pd2(CN)4(μ‐diphosphane)2] Complexes
Authors: Xia Bao‐Hui , Che Chi‐Ming , Zhou Zhong‐Yuan
Published: June 2003

Structural and spectroscopic properties of and theoretical investigations on dinuclear [Pd2(CN)4(P–P)2] (P–P=bis(dicyclohexylphosphanyl)methane (1), bis(dimethylphosphanyl)methane (2)) and mononuclear trans‐[Pd(CN)2(PCy3)2] (3) complexes are described. Xray structural analyses reveal Pd⋅⋅⋅Pd distances of 3.0432(7) and 3.307(4) Å in 1 and 2, respectively. The absorption bands at λ>270 nm in 1 and 2 have 4d${_{\sigma }^{{\ast}}}$→5pσ electronic‐transition character. Calculations at the CIS level indicate that the two low‐lying dipole‐allowed electronic transition bands in model complex [Pd2(CN)4(μ‐H2PCH2PH2)2] at 303 and 289 nm are due to combinations of many orbital transitions. The calculated interaction‐energy curve for the skewed dimer [{trans‐[Pd(CN)2(PH3)2]}2] is attractive at the MP2 level and implies the existence of a weak PdII–PdII interaction.
Rational Design of a Ferromagnetic Trinuclear Copper(II) Complex with a Novel in‐situ Synthesised Metalloligand
Authors: Tong Ming‐Liang , Wu Yin‐Miao , Tong Ye‐Xiang , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Chang Ho‐Chol , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: June 2003

An interesting ferromagnetic linear trinuclear copper(II) compound containing an in‐situ synthesised functional ligand has been rationally obtained and crystallographically characterised, confirming a new route to magnetic polynuclear clusters. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Sensitive Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Methodologies for the Determination of Melatonin in Biological Fluids
Authors: Corujo‐Antuña J. L. , Martínez‐Montequín S. , Fernández‐Abedul M. T. , Costa‐García A.
Published: June 2003

The reversible redox process that melatonin presented on carbon paste electrodes was the basis of a sensitive methodology for the determination of this hormone. From all the processes presented by this hormone, this was never used before as the basis of voltammetric measurements for melatonin determination. Therefore, parameters that affected the cyclic voltammetric signal were studied. A limit of detection as low as 9×10−11 M was obtained when optimized alternating current voltammetry was employed. The reproducibility was excellent due to an adequate pretreatment of the solid electrode (RSD=2.7%, n=10). A comparison with methodologies that employ different electrochemical techniques from the point of view of their analytical characteristics was made. This methodology has proved to be suitable for the determination of melatonin in biological fluids.
Construction and Characterization of Ru(II)Tris(bipyridine)‐Based Silica Thin Film Electrochemiluminescent Sensors
Authors: Armelao Lidia , Bertoncello Renzo , Gross Silvia , Badocco Denis , Pastore Paolo
Published: June 2003

Ru(II) tris‐bipyridine based ECL sensors were produced by embedding the complex inside silica glass thin films deposited via a sol‐gel dipping procedure on K‐glass conducing substrates. Films were prepared starting from a pre‐hydrolyzed ethanolic solution of Si(OC2H5)4 and Ru(bpy)3Cl2. Transparent, crack‐free and homogeneous reddish silica layers, having a thickness of 200±20 nm, were obtained. The films, either deposited at room temperature or thermally annealed at 100, 200 and 300 °C for 30 h, were structurally and chemically characterized. Ru(bpy)3Cl2 thermal stability was previously checked by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The films were investigated by X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and UV‐vis spectroscopy. XPS in‐depth profiles revealed a homogeneous distribution of the ruthenium complex inside the silica thin layers. SIMS data suggested that the embedded Ru(bpy)3Cl2 did not react with oxygen inside the oxygen‐rich silica matrix to give Ru‐O bonds. Electrochemical and ECL characterization of the thin film electrodes were made by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and controlled potential step experiments. The ECL sensor showed a diffusive redox behavior of the Ru(bpy)32+/Ru(bpy)33+ system. Light emission produced from the reaction between oxalic acid and the electrogenerated Ru(bpy)33+ was larger and stable when thermally treated electrodes were used after a suitable hydration period. The 300 °C treated sample was the best performing sensor both in terms of low complex leakage and sensitivity. Calibration plots relative to oxalic acid were obtained both in stationary and in flowing solutions in the concentration range 2×10−6−3×10−4 M. A linear behavior appeared in the former case, while in the latter a slight curvature was evident as a consequence of a finite diffusion time of the analyte inside the thin film. The signal repeatability, obtained by multiple 100 μL of 10−5 M oxalic acid injections in flowing solutions, was better than 4%. The obtained detection limit (computed as three times the standard deviation of the base‐line noise) was 10−6 M as oxalic acid.
Biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons in a compost biofilter
Authors: Torkian Ayoob , Dehghanzadeh Reza , Hakimjavadi M
Published: June 2003

Two laboratory‐scale biofilters filled with the same type of packing material were operated at different gas flow rates and influent concentrations of toluene and xylene in order to investigate their performance in treating waste gas streams. The columns contained a mixture of municipal compost as a base material and wood chips as a bulking agent in an 80:20 ratio; the porosity was 54%. Microbial acclimation was achieved by addition of nutrient‐enriched solution along with pollutants for a week by daily mixing and natural aeration. During the start‐up of the systems with inlet concentrations of 20 and 70 ppm for toluene and xylene, respectively, high biomass growth resulted in pressure drops in excess of 2000 Pam−1. Under steady state conditions, the response of each biofilter to variations in contaminant mass loading was studied by either changing the influent concentration or flow rate of the inlet waste stream. The results show that organic loading rates of up to 110 and 150 gm−3h−1 can be handled without any indication of the elimination capacity being saturated. However, maintaining the pressure drop below 1000 Pam−1 to avoid operational problems, optimal organic loading rates for toluene and xylene of 78 ± 8 and 80 ± 14 gm−3h−1 respectively are suggested for an HRT value of 60 s. Under these conditions, elimination capacities of 73 ± 4 and 73 ± 14 gm−3h−1 and removal efficiencies of 94 ± 6% and 91 ± 8% were achieved for toluene and xylene, respectively. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetics, degradation pathway and reaction mechanism of advanced oxidation of 4‐nitrophenol in water by a UV/H2O2 process
Authors: Zhang Wenbing , Xiao Xianming , An Taicheng , Song Zhiguang , Fu Jiamo , Sheng Guoying , Cui Mingchao
Published: June 2003

Photooxidation of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) in water by the UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation process was carried out in order to investigate the kinetics and pathway of 4‐NP degradation. The experimental results showed that the photodegradation of 4‐NP accorded well with pseudo‐first order kinetics. The effects of different parameters, such as H2O2 dosage, pH value and various anion scavengers on the degradation of 4‐NP have been investigated in detail. It was found that acidic conditions are more favorable to the degradation of 4‐NP but many anions, such as HCO3−, NO3− and Cl−, slow down the photooxidation rate of 4‐NP. Hydroquinone, 1,2,4‐trihdroxybenzene, 4‐nitropyrogallol, and 4‐nitrocatechol were tentatively identified as the intermediates of 4‐NP degradation by GC/MS after samples were derivatized by N,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). A degradation pathway was proposed to account for the observed intermediates produced during 4‐NP degradation by the UV/H2O2 process. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry