bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Minimally Destructive Technique for Sampling Dentin Powder for Mitochondrial DNA Testing
Authors: Shiroma CY , Fielding CG , Lewis JA , Gleisner MR , Dunn KN
Published: May 2004

The purpose of this paper is to present the horizontal sectioning technique used by odontologists at the Central Identification Laboratory to sample dentin for mtDNA analysis. From the perspective of DNA testing, anthropologists and odontologists at the Central Identification Laboratory work with ancient remains. In many instances, the lack of comprehensive antemortem records, the potential for fragmentation and commingling, and environmental exposure makes the use of traditional forensic identification techniques difficult or impossible. Teeth are highly resistant to environmental degradation and are an excellent source of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This technique is simple, quick, and relatively conservative, allowing for preservation of the majority of the external portion of the tooth structure.
Stability of Drugs in Stored Postmortem Femoral Blood and Vitreous Humor
Authors: Holmgren P , Druid H , Holmgren A , Ahlner J
Published: May 2004

The stability of 46 drugs in postmortem femoral blood stored for one year at -20°C was investigated. The drugs included benzodiazepines, antidepressants, analgetics and hypnotics. For seven drugs we found a significant change in the concentration between the first and second analysis. Five substances; ethanol, desmethylmianserin, 7-amino-nitrazepam, THC and zopiclone showed a decrease in the concentration whereas the concentrations of two substances; ketobemidone and thioridazine increased. However, the changes observed were not of such an order that it would affect the interpretation in normal forensic casework. We also investigated the possible influence of potassium fluoride on the concentrations of the 46 drugs in vitreous humor after storage for one year. For two substances, ethanol and zopiclone, there were significantly lower concentrations in the samples without potassium fluoride. Furthermore, we also studied the correlation between the concentrations in femoral blood and vitreous humor. For 23 substances there was a significant difference between the concentrations in the vitreous humor and femoral blood. Significant correlations between the concentrations in these two specimens were found for 23 substances, indicating that vitreous humor can be an alternative specimen when blood samples are not available, provided that such correlation exists for the particular substance. Statistical analysis also revealed a correlation between the degree of protein binding of the different drugs and percentage of vitreous/femoral blood concentrations.
Decompositional Odor Analysis Database
Authors: Vass AA , Smith RR , Thompson CV , Burnett MN , Wolf DA , Synstelien JA , Dulgerian N , Eckenrode BA
Published: May 2004

This study, conducted at the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility (ARF), describes the establishment of the Decompositional Odor Analysis (DOA) Database for the purpose of developing a man-portable, chemical sensor capable of detecting clandestine burial sites of human remains, thereby mimicking canine olfaction. This “living” database currently spans the first year and a half of burial, providing identification, chemical trends and semi-quantitation of chemicals liberated below, above and at the surface of graves 1.5 to 3.5 ft deep (0.45 to 1.0 m) for four individuals. Triple sorbent traps (TSTs) were used to collect air samples in the field and revealed eight major classes of chemicals containing 424 specific volatile compounds associated with burial decomposition. This research is the first step toward identification of an “odor signature” unique to human decomposition with projected ramifications on cadaver dog training procedures and in the development of field portable analytical instruments which can be used to locate human remains buried in shallow graves.
Allele Frequencies of 15 Loci Using AmpFℓSTR Identifiler Kit in a Northern Portuguese Population
Authors: Abrantes D , Lima G , Cainé L , Pontes L , Pinheiro F
Published: May 2004

250 unrelated and healthy individuals from Portugal
Review of: Dreisbach's Handbook of Poisoning
Authors: Logan BK
Published: May 2004

This reference book is written most specifically for use by clinical toxicologists, physicians, residents, nurses and medical students in the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning. It has some value to forensic toxicologists and pathologists, however, because of the broad range of toxic agents covered and detailed summaries of adverse and toxic effects.
Molecular Genetic Data at Two Tetranucleotide Repeat Loci (D12S66 and D12S67) in Two Indian Tribal Populations
Authors: Das B , Arun VS , Seshadri M Ph.D.
Published: May 2004

Molecular genetic polymorphism study was undertaken in two tribal population groups of India at two tetranucleotide repeat loci on chromosome 12 (D12S66 and D12S67). The two tribal groups studied were Bison Horn Maria and Muria, belonging to Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh in Central India. For this study, 75 random, unrelated individuals were analyzed for D12S66 locus, whereas 76 individuals were analyzed for D12S67 locus.
Review of: Neurodevelopmental Mechanisms in Psychopathology
Authors: Malavade K , Billick SB
Published: May 2004

This fascinating book represents an exciting perspective on the origins of psychopathology by focusing on the development of the brain. The assumption of such a neurodevelopmental perspective is that mental disorders arise from factors that alter the normal course of brain development. It is based on an understanding from research in these areas that neurodevelopment is a complex process that can be altered by a number of factors, from inherited constitutional liabilities to psychosocial stressors. The theoretical underpinnings of the neurodevelopmental perspective emerged in the 1970s, when clinical researchers proposed shifting the focus of understanding psychopathology from trying to identify a single initial cause of mental disorders to emphasizing the importance of bi-directional relationships among brain and experience in producing behavior.
Mechanical Property Evaluation Using the Small Punch Test
Authors: Eskner M , Sandström R
Published: May 2004

The small punch (SP) test technique is an attractive method for evaluating mechanical behavior in materials where only small volumes of materials are available. An SP-test machine was developed where miniature disc specimens 5 and 3 mm in diameter and with thickness ranging between 50 to 400 µm can be investigated. For two materials, a 1Cr-0.5Mo low alloy steel and an 18Cr-9Ni austenitic stainless steel, the stress-strain flow curve was assessed and compared with that in tensile tests. The yield strength was determined from the SP-test by analyzing the initial elastic deformation with help of classical plate bending theory. The effective flow properties in the biaxial stress state were evaluated through analytical modelling of the stretching deformation. Good agreement between the uniaxial and biaxial flow properties was found for the 1Cr-0.5Mo steel and acceptable agreement for the 18Cr-9Ni steel.
Influence of Grapefruit Juice on the Systemic Availability of Itraconazole Oral Solution in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Gubbins Paul O. , McConnell Scott A. , Gurley Bill J. , Fincher Timothy K. , Franks Amy M. , Williams David K. , Penzak Scott R. , Saccente Michael
Published: May 2004

Study Objective. To evaluate the effect of repeated ingestion of grapefruit juice on the systemic availability of itraconazole (ITZ) and hydroxy‐itraconazole (OHITZ) serum concentrations in subjects administered hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin‐ITZ (HP‐β‐CD ITZ) oral solution.

Design. Randomized, two‐period, crossover study.

Setting. College of pharmacy research unit.

Subjects. Twenty healthy, adult volunteers (10 men, 10 women).

Intervention. Subjects received 240 ml of regular‐strength grapefruit juice from frozen concentrate or bottled purified water 3 times/day for 2 days. On the third day they received a single dose of HP‐β‐CD ITZ oral solution 200 mg (20 ml) with 240 ml of the beverage. Two hours after dosing they received another 240 ml of the beverage.

Measurements and Main Results. Repeated blood samples were drawn for 72 hours after dosing. After a 14‐day washout period, subjects were crossed over to the beverage they had not received previously and the above procedure was repeated. There was no difference in peak ITZ concentration (Cmax) or time to Cmax (Tmax). Coadministration of grapefruit juice reduced OHITZ Cmax nearly 10%, but this difference was not statistically significant. It produced a statistically significant increase in ITZ area under the concentration‐time curves from 0–48 hours (AUC0–48) (17%) and from time zero extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–) (19.5%). Apparent oral clearance of ITZ was significantly reduced (14%). Significant changes in OHITZ exposure were not observed; however, grapefruit juice coadministration produced statistically significant decreased mean OHITZ:ITZ AUC0–48 and AUC0– ratios. Grapefruit juice also decreased the mean OHITZ:ITZ Cmax ratio, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion. Repeated grapefruit juice consumption moderately affects ITZ systemic availability in subjects administered HP‐β‐CD ITZ oral solution. Unlike previous findings with ITZ capsules, changes in the disposition of ITZ and OHITZ after repeated grapefruit juice consumption are consistent with grapefruit juice inhibition of intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4.
Pharmacokinetics and Dose‐Proportionality of Oxymorphone Extended Release and Its Metabolites: Results of a Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Adams Michael P. , Ahdieh Harry
Published: May 2004

Study Objective. To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and dose‐proportionality of four dose strengths (5, 10, 20, and 40 mg) of oxymorphone extended release (ER) under both single‐dose and steady‐state conditions.

Design. Randomized, three‐period, four‐sequence, crossover study.

Setting. Bioavailability clinic.

Subjects. Twenty‐four healthy adult volunteers.

Intervention. Each subject received three of the four possible doses. The three 8‐day administration periods were separated by a 7‐day washout. Plasma was collected for up to 48 hours after a single dose on day 1 and during a 12‐hour dosage interval at steady state. Naltrexone was administered to reduce opioid‐related adverse effects.

Measurements and Main Results. Twenty‐three subjects completed at least one study period. Dose‐proportionality and linearity were confirmed after single doses (mean oxymorphone ER area under the concentration versus time curve [AUC] 4.54, 8.94, 17.80, and 37.90 ng·hr/ml for 5‐, 10‐, 20‐, and 40‐mg doses, respectively) and at steady state (mean oxymorphone ER AUC 5.60, 9.77, 19.3, and 37.0 ng·hr/ml for 5‐, 10‐, 20‐, and 40‐mg doses every 12 hrs, respectively). Similar results were found for maximum plasma concentration. Metabolite (6‐hydroxyoxymorphone and oxymorphone‐3‐glucuronide) plasma levels also increased in a linear fashion after single‐dose administration and at steady state.

Conclusion. The pharmacokinetic profile of oxymorphone ER demonstrates linearity and dose‐proportionality under single‐dose and steady‐state conditions for the parent compound and its metabolites for doses of 5–40 mg.
Relative Bioavailability of an Extemporaneous Ondansetron 4‐mg Capsule Formulation versus Solution
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis , Javors Martin A. , Ait‐Daoud Nassima , Roache John D. , Johnson Bankole A.
Published: May 2004

Study Objective. To compare the relative bioavailability of an extemporaneous ondansetron capsule formulation with that of an identical dose of the commercially available solution formulation.

Design. Open‐label, randomized, two‐way crossover study.

Setting. University‐affiliated research laboratory.

Subjects. Sixteen (eight men, eight women) healthy, nonsmoking volunteers.

Intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a 4‐mg dose of either the commercially available ondansetron solution or the extemporaneous ondansetron capsule formulation. Blood sampling was performed over 12 hours after dosing. After a washout period of at least 3 days, each participant was switched to the alternate formulation, and blood sampling was repeated.

Measurements and Main Results. Ondansetron was well absorbed after administration of both formulations, with the solution achieving a faster rate of drug absorption over the first hour of dosing. After the peak plasma concentration was achieved, the plasma concentration–time curves of both formulations declined at a similar steady rate. There were no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between the two formulations, and the relative bioavailability of the capsule versus the solution formulation was 101%.

Conclusions. Similar concentration‐time curves and pharmacokinetic parameters were achieved with the two formulations. The commercially available solution would be a useful alternative formulation for administration of low‐dose ondansetron in research and clinical settings.
Effects of Indirect and Additional Direct Costs on the Risk Threshold for Prophylaxis with Colony‐Stimulating Factors in Patients at Risk for Severe Neutropenia from Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Cosler Leon E. , Calhoun Elizabeth A. , Agboola Olayemi , Lyman Gary H.
Published: May 2004

Study Objectives. Previous studies have used direct hospital costs to determine the threshold at which the cost of prophylactic use of colony‐stimulating factor (CSF) is offset by savings from the lower risk of hospitalization for febrile neutropenia. By conducting a survey of patients in whom febrile neutropenia had developed during treatment with chemotherapy, we sought to reassess these costs by including estimates of indirect costs associated with febrile neutropenia as well as new categories of direct costs that were not previously available. Costs were included in an existing cost‐minimization model, and their effect on the risk threshold at which the prophylactic use of CSF becomes cost saving was determined.

Patients. A sample survey of 26 patients with ovarian cancer who were treated with chemotherapy and developed febrile neutropenia.

Intervention. Analysis of data from patients' questionnaires containing survey items on indirect costs and additional direct costs associated with febrile neutropenia.

Measurements and Main Results. Estimates of indirect costs and other direct costs from the questionnaires were included in an existing cost‐minimization model, and risk thresholds were recalculated. Before modification, the model showed cost neutrality for prophylactic use of CSF when the risk of hospitalization for febrile neutropenia was approximately 23%. Including previously excluded direct costs and indirect costs ranging from $1000–5000 attributable to severe neutropenia in the model lowered the risk threshold for hospitalization for febrile neutropenia at which the prophylactic use of CSF becomes cost neutral to between 22% and 18%.

Conclusion. Including additional direct as well as indirect costs associated with chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia permits a more realistic assessment of the possible effect of prophylactic use of CSF from a societal perspective. Despite the limited size of the survey, this study shows a cost‐benefit rationale to support prophylactic use of CSF in a greater proportion of patients treated with chemotherapy.
Critical Rebound Methemoglobinemia After Methylene Blue Treatment: Case Report
Authors: Fitzsimons Michael G. , Gaudette Ronald R. , Hurford William E.
Published: May 2004

A 39‐year‐old man developed significant methemoglobinemia after receiving benzocaine spray; he was treated appropriately with intravenous methylene blue. The patient's methemoglobin levels decreased, but this was followed by a critical rebound phenomenon to levels frequently considered near fatal. After further treatment with methylene blue, the patient's methemoglobin levels returned to normal. Clinicians need to be aware that a decreasing level of methemoglobin does not necessarily indicate that a crisis has passed and that further monitoring and treatment may be indicated.
Increasing active student participation in histology
Authors: Black Virginia H. , Smith P.R.
Published: May 2004

As have many institutions, the New York University School of Medicine (NYUSM) has instituted curriculum revisions that allow for increased independent study but impose significant time constraints on laboratory courses. Challenged by decreased laboratory time, we sought creative solutions for our histology course, “Cell Biology of Tissues and Organs,” using computer‐ and Web‐based materials. While these solutions have facilitated independent study, they have not fostered the subtler lessons learned in the laboratory, such as communication skills and team approaches to learning. To retain these elements and enrich our course, we focused on increasing student participation in the laboratory through unit reviews presented by students, student‐generated comprehensive reviews, and practice exams. The active engagement of students in the learning process has resulted in a more exciting laboratory experience for all. Anat Rec (Part B: New Anat) 278B:14–17, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traditional teaching supported by computer‐assisted learning for macroscopic anatomy
Authors: Elizondo‐Omaña Rodrigo E. , Morales‐Gómez Jesús Alberto , Guzmán Santos López , Hernández Iván León , Ibarra Ricardo Patiño , Vilchez Félix Cavazos
Published: May 2004

Over the years we have observed that there is a very low passing rate for the Anatomy and Neuroanatomy courses in our department, and for that reason we decided to implement the use of student‐learning resources. The objective of this study was to compare the results of traditional methodology with those obtained with the support of computer‐assisted learning (CAL). We performed a retrospective and joint study for Anatomy and Neuroanatomy groups during the period of September 2001 to February 2003, to establish a comparison between traditional learning and traditional learning supported by CAL. In the Anatomy group, students who used the traditional method (n1 = 365) received an average final grade of 58 (SD = 14.94), while the average final grade for students who used the traditional method supported by CAL (n2 = 283) was 68 (SD = 14.56). In the Neuroanatomy group, the students who used the traditional method (n3 = 217) had an average final grade of 61 (SD = 14.51), while the students who used the traditional method supported by CAL (n4 = 134) received an average final grade of 68 (SD = 13.52). A z‐test was conducted to determine the difference in averages between the two groups (α = 0.05), and the results showed that the averages were significantly different (P < .001). The modified traditional method with CAL support was shown to be the best option in comparison with the traditional method. Anat Rec (Part B: New Anat) 278B:18–22, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teil 2: Trittschalldämmung — Flankentrittschallpegel und Trittschallminderung
Authors: Sälzer Elmar , Maack Jürgen
Published: May 2004

Im Teil 1 [1] der insgesamt dreiteiligen Darstellung des Schallschutzes von Hohlraumböden wurde über die geschichtliche Entwicklung der seit Anfang der 1980er Jahre auf den Markt gekommenen Hohlraumböden, die wesentlichen Konstruktionsprinzipien solcher Böden und über die Schallängsdämmung, dargestellt durch die bewertete Norm‐Flankenpegeldifferenz, berichtet. Im vorliegenden zweiten Teil werden die beiden Aspekte der Trittschalldämmung, und zwar des Flankentrittschallpegels — der früher auch als horizontale Trittschalldämmung bezeichnet wurde — und der Trittschallminderung (früher Trittschallverbesserung) dargestellt. Der nachfolgenden Darstellung der beiden Parameter der Trittschalldämmung liegen ca. 150 Messungen im schalltechnischen Labor zu Grunde, die zum großen Teil noch nach DIN 52 210 [3], in jüngerer Zeit selbstverständlich nach DIN EN ISO 140‐12 [4] durchgeführt wurden.
Fensteröffnung in Passivhäusern
Authors: Großklos Marc , Knissel Jens , Loga Tobias
Published: May 2004

Der Einfluß der Nutzer auf den Heizenergieverbrauch von Gebäuden wird oft kontrovers diskutiert. Besonders die Fensteröffnung steht dabei im Blickpunkt. Es liegen jedoch selten konkrete Daten über das Nutzerverhalten vor und die tatsächlichen Auswirkungen von offenen Fenstern auf den Heizwärmeverbrauch sind kaum bekannt. Im folgenden Aufsatz wird auf Basis von Meßwerten die Dauer der zusätzlichen Fensteröffnung in Passivhäusern, typische Verhaltensmuster, Einflußfaktoren sowie exemplarisch die Auswirkungen auf den Heizenergieverbrauch untersucht. Weiterhin wird die Fensteröffnung im Sommer betrachtet. Als Datengrundlage wurden Messdaten der Passivhaussiedlung in Wiesbaden‐Dotzheim [1], [2] aus den Jahren 2001 und 2002 herangezogen.
Verbunddecken aus Stahlfaserbeton und Holz
Authors: Holschemacher Klaus , Klotz Sven , Köhler Sven
Published: May 2004

Die Holz‐Beton‐Verbundbauweise ist eine seit vielen Jahren bekannte und bewährte Möglichkeit für die Sanierung und Verstärkung von Holzbalkendecken. Die Tragfähigkeit wird erhöht, Durchbiegungen und Schwingungsanfälligkeit verringert und bauphysikalische Eigenschaften verbessert. Die Betonplatte wird i. d. R. bewehrt ausgeführt, was in Verbindung mit der erforderlichen Betondeckung zu relativ großen Plattendicken und zu Nachteilen bei der Bauausführung führt. Um dies zu vermeiden, ist es sinnvoll, die konventionelle Betonstahlbewehrung durch Stahlfasern zu ersetzen.

Es wird über zwei Bauvorhaben sowie die zugehörigen experimentellen Voruntersuchungen berichtet, bei denen Stahlfaserbeton im Rahmen der Verstärkung von Holzbalkendecken zur Anwendung kam.
Lainzer Tunnel — Umsetzung einer wasserundurchlässigen Innenschale
Authors: Wagner Oliver K.
Published: May 2004

Während der Ausführungsphase des Bauloses LT 22 des Lainzer Tunnels in Wien wurden die für den Tunnelbau im Lockergestein wichtigsten Normen und Regelwerke überarbeitet. Im folgenden wird auf einige wesentliche Punkte bezüglich Planung und Ausführung eingegangen, die sich aus dem Umfeld Vortrieb und Innenschale unter den Randbedingungen der Sicherheit des Vortriebs, der Wasserundurchlässigkeit und des Brandschutzes der Innenschale sowie aus der Normenentwicklung und dem Bauablauf ergaben. Dabei wird insbesondere auf die Thematik des Innenschalenbetons eingegangen.
Einfluß der Faserorientierung auf die Beanspruchbarkeit von Bauteilen aus Stahlfaserbeton
Authors: Rosenbusch Joachim
Published: May 2004

Die Bereitstellung von technischen Regelwerken soll zu einer sicheren Anwendung und Verbreitung des Stahlfaserbetons führen. Die ungleichmäßige Faserverteilung und ‐orientierung wurde dabei bislang nicht berücksichtigt. Die Relevanz dazu schien aufgrund der Anwendungsgebiete des Stahlfaserbetons nicht gegeben. Dies ist mit dem Vordringen des Stahlfaserbetons in den konstruktiven Bereich anders geworden. Die erheblichen Auswirkungen des Herstellungsprozesses und der Bauteilgeometrie auf die Faserorientierung und ‐verteilung werden dargestellt und ein Vorschlag für die Berücksichtigung in der Bemessung gegeben.
Besonderheiten bei Entwurf und Bemessung integraler Betonbrücken
Authors: Berger Dieter , Graubner Carl‐Alexander , Pelke Eberhard , Zink Martin
Published: May 2004

In der Praxis kommen vermehrt integrale Straßenbrücken zur Ausführung, bei denen auf Lager und Übergangskonstruktionen gänzlich verzichtet wird. Die zyklisch auftretenden Verformungen der Tragwerksenden infolge Temperatureinwirkung beanspruchen bei integralen Tragwerken die Hinterfüllung und die Gründung der Widerlager. Die so entstehende Wechselwirkung zwischen Bauwerk, Baugrund und Hinterfüllung muß bei der Bemessung und konstruktiven Durchbildung des Übergangs vom Bauwerk auf die Hinterfüllung berücksichtigt werden.
Star‐Shaped Nanomolecules Based on p‐Phenylene Sulfide Asterisks with a Persulfurated Coronene Core
Authors: Gingras Marc , Pinchart Alain , Dallaire Carol , Mallah Talal , Levillain Eric
Published: May 2004

Persulfurated p‐phenylene sulfide (PPS) molecular asterisks (6–9) from “generations” 1 to 4 were efficiently prepared. They represent a new class of electron‐accepting PPS star‐shaped nanomolecules. Spectroelectrochemistry, cyclic voltammetry and UV‐visible studies were performed for the asterisks and for functionalized p‐phenylene sulfide oligomers (1–4). These data confirmed for the first time that an electronic delocalization through the whole asterisk molecule exists in the radical anionic or dianionic forms, in spite of divalent sulfur bridges between phenyl groups. They could be seen as globular spheres with a three‐dimensional electronic network and delocalization. Electrochemical studies indicated that sulfur substituents strongly stabilize the reduced form of the asterisk relative to coronene itself, and the ease of reduction depends on the PPS chain length.
Global existence and scattering for rough solutions of a nonlinear Schrödinger equation on ℝ3
Authors: Colliander J. , Keel M. , Staffilani G. , Takaoka H. , Tao T.
Published: May 2004

We prove global existence and scattering for the defocusing, cubic, nonlinear Schrödinger equation in $H^{\scriptscriptstyle S}$ (ℝ3) for s > ${4 \over 5}$. The main new estimate in the argument is a Morawetz‐type inequality for the solution ϕ. This estimate bounds

whereas the well‐known Morawetz‐type estimate of Lin‐Strauss controls

© 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Positive feedback regulation of PLCγ1/Ca2+ signaling by PKCθ in restimulated T cells via a Tec kinase‐dependent pathway
Authors: Altman Amnon , Kaminski Sandra , Busuttil Valere , Droin Nathalie , Hu Junru , Tadevosyan Yuri , Hipskind Robert A. , Villalba Martin
Published: May 2004

PKCθ plays an essential role in activation of mature T cells. Here, we report that the TCR/CD28‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of PLCγ1 was significantly impaired in PKCθ –/– primary, restimulated T cells. Consistent with this finding, receptor‐induced Ca2+ mobilization, NF‐AT DNA‐binding activity and the membrane translocation of PKCα, a PLCγ1‐dependent conventional PKC, were also markedly reduced in the same cells. Moreover, a dominant‐negative PLCγ1 mutant blocked the PKCθ‐induced activation of an AP‐1 reporter gene in Jurkat and primary cells. Regulation of PLCγ1 signaling by PKCθ required the tyrosine kinase Tec since a dominant‐negative Tec mutant blocked PKCθ‐induced AP‐1 (but not NF‐κB) activation. In addition, wild‐type Tec, but not Itk or Rlk, potently activated AP‐1. Furthermore, Tec was found to constitutively associate with PKCθ, an interaction that like AP‐1 activation required the pleckstrin‐homology domain of Tec. These findings define a novel PKCθ‐initiated pathway that regulates Ca2+ signaling and AP‐1 activation via Tec and PLCγ1. Moreover, they identify Tec as a key point downstream of PKCθ, where TCR‐ and PKCθ‐induced signaling pathways, leading to AP‐1 versus NF‐κB activation, diverge in T cells.
Enhanced contact hypersensitivity and antiviral immune responses in vivo by keratinocyte‐targeted overexpression of IL‐15
Authors: Loser Karin , Mehling Annette , Apelt Jenny , Ständer Sonja , Andres Pietro G. , Reinecker Hans‐Christian , Eing Bodo R. , Skryabin Boris V. , Varga Georg , Schwarz Thomas , Beissert Stefan
Published: May 2004

IL‐15 is involved in lymphocyte homeostasis. To investigate the role of IL‐15 in the skin in vivo, mice were generated that overexpress IL‐15 in keratinocytes, resulting in increased IL‐15 protein levels in the skin but not elevated IL‐15 serum concentrations. Keratin 14 (K14)‐IL‐15 transgenic (tg) mice showed increased contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses. Transfer of primed wild‐type (wt) and tg T cells into naive wt or tg recipients indicated that skin‐derived IL‐15 enhanced the induction but not the elicitation phase of CHS. Tg mice could be sensitized even by suboptimal hapten concentrations. Accordingly, Langerhans cells (LC) from tg skin were identified as potent allostimulators, suggesting the involvement of IL‐15‐stimulated LC in the induction of adaptive immunity. Overexpression of IL‐15 also strengthened innate immunity since tg mice infected with human HSV type I developed significantly smaller HSV skin lesions. In addition, tg mice resisted re‐infection with HSV more effectively than wt mice did, which was associated with an elevated anti‐HSV Ab production. Accordingly, injection of serum from re‐infected tg mice protected naive recipients significantly from epicutaneous HSV infection, indicating that anti‐HSV Ab produced by tg mice play an important role in resistance in vivo. Together, our results show that overexpression of IL‐15 in the epidermis enhances both innate and adaptive cutaneous immunity.
A Novel 3‐D Self‐Penetrating Topological Network Assembled by Mixed Bridging Ligands
Authors: Li Xing , Cao Rong , Sun Daofeng , Bi Wenhua , Yuan Daqiang
Published: May 2004

The assembly of 5‐sulfoisophthalic acid (H3sipa) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (bpy) with Cd2+ ions gave rise to a new polymeric complex {[Cd3(sipa)2(bpy)4(H2O)2]·3H2O}n (1). X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that complex 1 has a 3‐D self‐penetrating network formed by the interlocking and interweaving of two types of one‐dimensional chains comprising two kinds of Cd4(sipa)4 and Cd4(bpy)4 units, respectively. The sipa3− ligand serves as the connector and the Cd2+ ion as the node. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the luminescence property of 1 are discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
1,3,5‐Triazapentanediene, A Novel Tridentate Ligand that Bridges Two Metal Ions in a κ1N:κ2N Bridging Mode with C2 Symmetry
Authors: Kajiwara Takashi , Ito Tasuku
Published: May 2004

The new mononuclear complexes [Ni(Htap)2](ClO4)2 (1) and [Ni(tap)(Htap)]ClO4 (2) were synthesized by the reaction of nickel(II) perchlorate and 1,3,5‐triazine (Htap = 1,3,5‐triazapentanediene). In 1 and 2, neutral Htap and a monoanionic tap− coordinate in a square‐planar mode to the nickel(II) ions (low‐spin state) in a bidentate, chelating fashion. Using the central N of tap− of 2 as a donor atom, multinuclear complexes [{Cu(tren)}2{Ni(tap)2}](ClO4)4 (3) and [Ni(Htap)2]2[Ni{Ni(tap)(Htap)}2(NCS)4][Ni{Ni(tap)(Htap)}(NCS)5]2 (4) were synthesized. In both complexes, tap− binds two metal ions in a κ1N:κ2N bridging mode, with C2 symmetry along the Ni−Cu axis for 3 and Ni−Ni axis for 4. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Synthesis and Characterization of the First Examples of Dicationic Dihydrogen Complexes of Iron and Ruthenium with the PF3 Ligand
Authors: Nanishankar H. V. , Nethaji Munirathinam , Jagirdar Balaji R.
Published: May 2004

New dicationic dihydrogen complexes of the type trans‐[M(η2‐H2)(PF3)(diphosphane)2]2+ [M = Ru, diphosphane = dppm (Ph2PCH2PPh2); M = Fe, Ru, diphosphane = dppe (Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)] have been prepared from the precursor hydrides trans‐[M(H)(PF3)(diphosphane)2]+ upon reaction with HOTf. In the case of dppm, in addition to the trans‐dihydrogen complex cis‐[Ru(η2‐H2)(PF3)(dppm)2]2+ was also obtained in the protonation reaction. The intact nature of the H−H bond in these derivatives has been established using the spin−lattice relaxation time measurements (short T1 values) and the large JH,D coupling constant of the H−D isotopomers. The H−H bond lengths and the stabilities of the dihydrogen complexes are discussed in terms of the π‐acidity of the PF3 ligand and compared with other systems possessing trans CO and CNH ligands. The trans‐[Ru(η2‐H2)(PF3)(dppe)2]2+ complex was found to be remarkably stable with respect to the loss of bound H2 for a period of about 16 h. The H−D isotopomer of this complex exhibits small temperature variations in the JH,D coupling constant. The X‐ray crystal structure of trans‐[Ru(H)(PF3)(dppm)2][BF4] has been determined. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Cover Picture: Optically Active Phospholanes as Substituents on Ferrocene and Chromium‐Arene Complexes (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 11/2004)
Authors: Braun Wolfgang , Calmuschi Beatrice , Haberland Jürgen , Hummel Werner , Liese Andreas , Nickel Thomas , Stelzer Othmar , Salzer Albrecht
Published: May 2004

The cover picture shows the successful cooperation between biotechnology, main‐group chemistry and organometallic chemistry to generate a highly enantioselective diphosphane ligand for homogeneous catalysis. The details are described in the article by W. Braun, A. Salzer et al. on p. 2235 ff. The work was sponsored by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) within the Collaborative Research Centre (SFB 380) “Asymmetric Syntheses with Chemical and Biological Methods”. The authors are indebted to Mr. M. Stauten, Cologne, for his help concerning the artwork of the cover picture.
Performance evaluation of diversity gain and coding gain in coded orthogonal multi‐carrier modulation systems
Authors: Fujii Masahiro , Itami Makoto , Itoh Kohji
Published: May 2004

This paper presents a performance evaluation of diversity and coding gains in coded orthogonal multi‐carrier (MC) modulation systems. Assuming maximum likelihood decoding, we analyze contribution of channel encoding to pairwise error rate (PER) in terms of the Hamming distance between codewords for coded‐OFDM systems and coded‐OFDM–code division multiplexing (CDM) systems. Moreover, the average bit error rate is upper‐bounded using the pairwise error rate and is compared with the results obtained by computer simulations. Copyright © 2004 AEI
Adaptive coding in MC‐CDMA/FDMA systems with adaptive sub‐band allocation
Authors: Trifonov Peter , Costa Elena , Filippi Alessio , Schulz Egon
Published: May 2004

The MC‐CDMA/FDMA scheme is a candidate for the air‐interface of beyond 3G mobile communications. An efficient adaptive sub‐band allocation (ASBA) approach has been recently shown to provide a considerable gain in the uncoded system performance. In this paper, adaptive coding is proposed for application in conjunction with ASBA. This is proved to yield a significant performance improvement, especially if a user‐service prioritisation is considered in the ASBA. Copyright © 2004 AEI
Iterative channel estimation approach for space‐time/frequency coded OFDM systems with transmitter diversity
Authors: Çırpan Hakan A. , Panayırcı Erdal , Doğan Hakan
Published: May 2004

Focusing on transmit diversity orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission through frequency selective channels, this paper pursues novel iterative channel estimation approaches for both space‐frequency OFDM (SF‐OFDM) and space‐time OFDM (ST‐OFDM) systems. Relying on the unifying signal model for SF‐OFDM and ST‐OFDM transmitter diversity systems, we develop computationally efficient, maximum a posteriori (MAP) channel estimation algorithms according to the MAP criterion. The algorithms require a convenient representation of the discrete multipath fading channel based on the Karhunen–Loeve (KL) orthogonal expansion and estimates the complex channel parameters of each subcarriers iteratively using the expectation‐maximisation (EM) method. In order to explore the performance, the closed‐form expression for the average symbol error rate (SER) probability is derived for the maximum ratio combiner (MRC). Furthermore, to benchmark performance of the MAP channel estimator, the modified Cramer‐Rao bound of channel estimates is also derived. Finally, we provide simulation results studying the influence of delay spread, propagation parameters and modelling mismatch on the performance of channel estimation techniques. Simulation results confirm our theoretical analysis and illustrate that the proposed algorithms are capable of tracking fast fading and improving overall performance. Copyright © 2004 AEI
Channel estimation and tracking for MC‐CDMA signals
Authors: Sanguinetti Luca , Morelli Michele , Mengali Umberto
Published: May 2004

This paper investigates the impact of channel estimation errors in the uplink and downlink of a multicarrier code‐division multiple‐access (MC‐CDMA) system. Pilot blocks are periodically inserted into the downlink data stream to perform a least‐squares channel estimation. It is shown that a single‐user minimum‐mean‐square‐error (MMSE) detector endowed with the proposed channel estimator is robust to estimation errors even under full‐loaded conditions. In the uplink scenario channel estimates are computed through a least‐mean‐square algorithm and are passed to a linear multi‐user MMSE detector or a parallel interference cancellation (PIC) receiver. Simulations indicate that in this case the system performance depends heavily on the quality of the channel estimates, meaning that they are particularly critical. Copyright © 2004 AEI
STBC MC‐CDMA systems: comparison of MMSE single‐user and multiple‐user detection schemes over Rayleigh and MIMO METRA channels
Authors: Auffray Jean‐Michel , Baudais Jean‐Yves , Hélard Jean‐François
Published: May 2004

The performance of MMSE single‐user detection (SD) and multi‐user detection (MD) STBC multi‐carrier code division multiple access (MC‐CDMA) systems are analysed and compared in the case of two transmit antennas and one or two receive antennas over Rayleigh fading channels and then over the stochastic multiple input multiple output (MIMO) METRA channel model. With two transmit and one receive antennas, MD achieves a gain of roughly 1 dB for non‐full load systems while the same performance is obtained with MD and SD for full load systems. Besides, with two receive antennas, we present a sub‐optimal and an optimal MMSE SD MIMO MC‐CDMA schemes, this last one offering a very good performance. Finally, the very good behaviour of MMSE space‐time block coding (STBC) MC‐CDMA systems is confirmed over the realistic multi element transmit receive antennas (METRA) MIMO channel. Copyright © 2004 AEI
A co‐ordinate system independent streamwise upwind method for fluid flow computation
Authors: Ferziger Joel H. , Tseng Yu‐heng
Published: May 2004

A new co‐ordinate invariant streamwise upwind formulation for convection dominated flows is developed. The eddy diffusivity/viscosity is added directly to the equations in order to remove the oscillations in the solution. The equations then can be solved by any high‐order scheme and the solution retains the accuracy of the high‐order scheme. The accuracy and reduced lateral thickness growth rate are demonstrated with several numerical examples, including pure convective flows and lid‐driven cavity flow. The lateral spreading due to the numerical diffusion is controlled by the anisotropic tensor. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurogenic phenotypes induced by RNA interference with bHLH genes of the Enhancer of split complex of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Nagel Anja C. , Maier Dieter , Krauß Sonia , Mezger Markus , Preiss Anette
Published: May 2004

Summary: The Enhancer of split gene complex [E(spl)‐C] of Drosophila melanogaster harbors seven highly related genes encoding transcriptional regulators with a basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) domain. They are activated by the Notch signaling pathway in order to inhibit proneural gene activity, for example, during neurogenesis in the developing embryo. The E(spl) proteins are at least partly redundant, despite some remarkable differences in their expression patterns. We attempted to address the degree of redundancy by means of RNA interference. We find a quantitative correlation between the degree of a neurogenic phenotype and the number of genes affected. Surprisingly, interference with m3 results in a high rate of mortality which cannot be reproduced by genetic mutation. Most likely, m3 dsRNA interferes with unrelated genes involved in other aspects of embryonic development. genesis 39:105–114, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐range effect of upd, a ligand for Jak/STAT pathway, on cell cycle in Drosophila eye development
Authors: Tsai Yu‐Chen , Sun Y. Henry
Published: May 2004

unpaired (upd) encodes a ligand for the Jak/STAT signaling pathway in Drosophila. In the second instar and early third larval eye disc, upd is expressed in the center of the posterior margin. upd loss‐of‐function mutations caused eye size reduction and upd overexpression caused eye enlargement. Upd regulates eye size through the Dome/Jak(Hop)/STAT92 signaling pathway to promote cell proliferation. Interestingly, the effect of Upd is only on cells located anterior to the morphogenetic furrow (MF), but has no effect on the second mitotic wave, which is posterior to MF. Overexpression of upd behind MF can nonautonomously induce cell proliferation up to 20 rows of cells anterior to MF. The G1 cyclin, cycD transcript level was also enhanced anterior to MF. Consistent with the long‐range effect, we found that the extracellular Upd protein can be detected over a comparable long range, suggesting that Upd acts directly over a long distance as a signaling molecule. genesis 39:141–153, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laser microdissection reveals regional and cellular differences in GFAP mRNA upregulation following brain injury, axonal denervation, and amyloid plaque deposition
Authors: Burbach Guido J. , Dehn Doris , Del Turco Domenico , Staufenbiel Matthias , Deller Thomas
Published: May 2004

Astrocytes are one of the major cell types responding to central nervous system injury. Upregulation of the astrocytic intermediate filament molecule glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a key event associated with this reaction. To study the response of astrocytes to different types of brain lesions, GFAP mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in mouse brain following injury, axonal denervation (entorhinal cortex lesion), and amyloid plaque deposition (APP23 transgenic mice). Analysis of tissue areas surrounding a lesion revealed a 21‐fold increase of GFAP mRNA in tissue surrounding an injury site, a 6‐fold increase in denervated tissue areas, and a 5‐fold increase in plaque containing tissue. To this GFAP mRNA increase, astrocytic proliferation and migration as well as an increase of cellular GFAP mRNA expression within astrocytes could have contributed. To determine the degree of GFAP mRNA upregulation in individual astrocytes, an immunofluorescence protocol was developed to harvest astrocytes selectively by laser microdissection and preserve intact RNA. qRT‐PCR analysis of GFAP mRNA in microdissected astrocytes revealed an 82‐fold increase in astrocytes surrounding an injury site, a 30‐fold increase in astrocytes located in a denervation zone, and an 18‐fold increase in astrocytes surrounding an amyloid plaque. These data demonstrate that GFAP mRNA is strongly upregulated within individual reactive astrocytes in response to a lesion. Because astrocytic GFAP mRNA upregulation differs among the three lesioning paradigms, we conclude that the lesion type is an important determinant of postlesional astrocytic reactivity. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thrombin induces expression of cytokine‐induced SH2 protein (CIS) in rat brain astrocytes: Involvement of phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase
Authors: Ji Kyung‐ae , Yang Myung‐Soon , Jou Ilo , Shong Min‐Ho , Joe Eun‐Hye
Published: May 2004

Previously we have reported that thrombin induces inflammatory mediators in brain glial cells (Ryu et al. 2000. J Biol Chem 275:29955). In the present study, we found that thrombin induced a negative regulator of a cytokine signaling molecule, cytokine‐induced SH2 protein (CIS), in rat brain astrocytes. In response to thrombin, CIS expression was increased at both the mRNA and protein levels. Although STAT5 is known to regulate CIS expression, thrombin did not activate STAT5, and inhibitors of JAK2 (AG490) and JAK3 (WHI‐P97 and WHI‐P154) had little effect on thrombin‐induced CIS expression. In contrast, cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), cyclooxygenase (COX), and lipoxygenase (LO) play a role in CIS expression, since inhibitors of cPLA2, cyclooxygenase (COX), and LO significantly reduced CIS expression. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers (N‐acetyl‐cysteine [NAC] and trolox) reduced thrombin‐induced CIS expression, and inhibitors of COX and LO reduced ROS produced by thrombin. Furthermore, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), products of COX and LO, respectively, potentiated thrombin‐induced CIS expression, indicating that ROS, and PGE2 and LTB4 generated by COX and LO, mediate CIS expression. Since interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐induced GAS‐luciferase activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 were lower in CIS‐transfected cells compared to control vector‐transfected cells, CIS could have anti‐inflammatory activity. These data suggest that thrombin‐stimulation of ROS and prostaglandin and leukotriene production via the cPLA2, COX and LO pathways results in CIS expression. More importantly, CIS expression may be a negative feedback mechanism that prevents prolonged inflammatory responses. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two Novel Triterpenes from the Leaves of Ficus microcarpa
Authors: Kuo Yueh‐Hsiung , Lin Huan‐You
Published: May 2004

Two novel triterpenes, 29(20→19)abeolupane‐3,20‐dione (4) and 19,20‐secoursane‐3,19,20‐trione (5), besides (3β)‐3‐hydroxy‐29(20→19)abeolupan‐20‐one (2), lupenone, and α‐amyrone (6), were isolated from the leaves of Ficus microcarpa and were characterized by spectroscopic means, including 2D‐NMR techniques and chemical methods. Compound 4 is the second derivative having the 29(20→19)abeolupane skeleton, and 5 is a novel skeleton. A biosynthetic pathway to 5 is proposed (Scheme).
Relaxivity and Transmetallation Stability of New Benzyl‐Substituted Derivatives of GadoliniumDTPA Complexes
Authors: Laurent Sophie , Botteman François , Elst Luce Vander , Muller Robert N.
Published: May 2004

In our efforts of finding new specific contrast agents of higher relaxivity and selectivity, we have prepared the two new benzyl‐functionalized DTPA (‘diethylenetriamine pentaacetate’) gadolinium complexes (S)‐3 and (R,S)‐4, and compared their properties with those of the known regioisomers (S)‐2 and (S)‐1. The theoretical fitting of the reduced transverse relaxation rates of the 17O‐nucleus of H2O gave values for the water‐residence time (τM) of 86–143 ns at 310 K, values that are not limiting the proton relaxivity at body temperature. 1H‐NMRD (nuclear magnetic‐relaxation dispersion) Profiles showed that the relaxivity of 1–4 (r1=4.3–5.1 s−1 mM−1 at 20 MHz and 310 K) is higher than for the GdDTPA parent compound 5. Transmetallation assessment demonstrated that all substituted compounds, except for (S)‐2, are more stable than 5. The highest stability towards Zn2+‐induced transmetallation was achieved with complexes 3, 1, and 4 (in decreasing order). Apparently, the steric hindrance of the benzyl substituents in positions 5, 4, and 2, respectively, favorably reduces the accessibility of Zn ions. From a synthetic point of view, 4‐substituted DTPA complexes of type 1 are more readily accessible than 5‐substituted compounds of type 3. Therefore, the former seem to be superior for linking substituted DTPA complexes to macromolecules or specific vectors.