bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization and Crystal Structure of a new Cobalt Borophosphate, NaCoH2BP2O9
Authors: Guesmi A. , Driss A.
Published: November 2004

A new sodium cobalt hydrogen borophosphate, NaCoH2BP2O9, was synthesized by the mild hydrothermal method and the crystal structure was characterized by the single‐crystal x‐ray diffraction method]. The structure consists in anionic groups [(H2BP2O9)3‐]2 (centrosymmetric units [HP(2)O3O1/2‐HBO2O2/2‐P(1)O3O1/2]2) which are interconnected by sharing corners with the Co2O10 bioctahedral units. The framework connection is reinforced by hydrogen bonds.
X‐ray Diffraction Studies of Free‐Standing Electrodeposited Cu‐patterns
Authors: Pantleon K. , Jensen H.M. , Somers M.A.J.
Published: November 2004

Free‐standing Cu‐line patterns with various line widths and interline distances in the range of a few micrometers were electrodeposited. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was applied for quantification of crystallographic texture and XRD‐peak broadening studies in dependence on the Cu‐line dimensions. Supplementary to XRD, finite element modeling of the strain distribution within individual Cu‐lines was carried out.
Neutron Reflectivity as Method to Study in‐Situ Adsorption of Phospholipid Layers to Solid‐Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Gutberlet T. , Klösgen B. , Krastev R. , Steitz R.
Published: November 2004

The design and structure of biomimetic films along a planar surface is of tremendous interest for the development of biocompatible interfaces, the construction of biosensors based on membrane receptors, and as biophysical model systems for studying the interaction of biomolecules with membrane surfaces. A basic step in the design of such systems is the preparation of phospholipid molecules in the form of planar bilayers along adequate interfaces to mimic the interface of a biological membrane.
KBG syndrome in a cohort of Italian patients
Authors: Brancati Francesco , D'Avanzo Maria Gabriella , Digilio Maria Cristina , Sarkozy Anna , Biondi Massimo , De Brasi Davide , Mingarelli Rita , Dallapiccola Bruno
Published: November 2004

KBG syndrome comprises a distinct facial phenotype, macrodontia, short stature, and skeletal anomalies. So far, it has been reported in 29 individuals. Recently, diagnostic criteria were outlined. Here, we describe eight new patients whose clinical and radiological findings fit the diagnostic criteria of KBG syndrome. While most patients were sporadic in occurrence, in two families the disorder was transmitted from mildly affected mothers to their affected children. The phenotype of KBG syndrome has been reviewed based on published and present patients. EEG anomalies with or without seizures, mixed hearing loss, palatal anomalies with secondary speech disorder, distinct age‐related behavior, and cryptorchidism are possible additional characteristics. Less common manisfestations were posterior fossa malformations, eye defects, and congenital heart defects. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two sisters with Silver–Russell phenotype
Authors: Õunap Katrin , Reimand Tiia , Mägi Marja‐Liis , Bartsch Oliver
Published: November 2004

Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS) is a well recognizable syndrome, but the etiology of SRS seems to be heterogeneous. SRS is listed in Mendelian Inheritance in Man as an autosomal dominant disorder because most described cases have been of sporadic occurrence, and most likely were caused by de novo autosomal dominant mutation, and because families with apparent dominant transmission of a SRS phenotype have been described. Still, in a few families, autosomal recessive inheritance has been suggested. We describe two sisters who meet the criteria for SRS proposed by Price et al. [1999]. The parents had normal facial features, normal height, and normal post‐natal growth. This is the second well‐documented case of familial recurrence of SRS that resembles an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Since sib recurrence is so rare in SRS, other modes of inheritance should be considered. The finding of maternal uniparental disomy 7 (mUPD7) in 10% of SRS cases suggests that lack of paternally expressed imprinted gene(s) or overexpression of maternal imprinted gene(s) on chromosome 7 cause SRS. The recurrence in sibs could be caused by a mutation in the imprinted gene or imprinting center carried by one parent. Alternatively, recurrence in sibs could represent germ line mosaicism for a dominant mutation in one of the parents. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A founder effect in three large Newfoundland families with a novel clinically variable spastic ataxia and supranuclear gaze palsy
Authors: Grewal K.K. , Stefanelli M.G. , Meijer I.A. , Hand C.K. , Rouleau G.A. , Ives E.J.
Published: November 2004

A distinctive slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which falls under a new category of neurological diseases, the hereditary spastic ataxias (HSA), is described in three independently ascertained Newfoundland kindreds. HSA is a heterogeneous group of disorders in which pyramidal tract features overlap cerebellar characteristics. The families are assumed to have the same condition as, although apparently unrelated, all originate in a historically isolated cluster of rural communities and link to the same locus at 12p13, SAX1. Clinically the phenotype is very variable but lower limb hypertonicity and hyperreflexia are early and prominent generally preceded by eye movement abnormality, an impaired vertical downward saccade and a typical involuntary head jerk. These are followed by variable levels of ataxia, dysarthria, and dysphagia. Onset occurs in the first two decades and can be detected in most by early adulthood. Significant mobility problems are present by the fourth decade with a broad based ataxic and spastic gait. MRI scans of brain and spinal cord were normal. Neuropathology showed degeneration of corticospinal tracts and posterior columns and midbrain neuronal loss. The phenotype is striking in its diversity among and within families and the variability of expression can be observed within the same sibship. Pedigree analysis shows no evidence of anticipation or any sex differences in severity. The condition is unusually prevalent in the province of Newfoundland, which is characteristic of a founder effect followed by isolation and large family size. Fine mapping efforts have reduced the critical interval of the SAX1 locus to 1.9Mb. Identification of the SAX1 gene will help to clarify the pathogenesis of this type of HSA. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late‐onset mitochondrial DNA depletion: DNA copy number, multiple deletions, and compensation
Authors: Barthélémy Cyrille , Ogier De Baulny Hélène , Diaz Jorge , Armelle Cheval Marie , Frachon Paule , Romero Norma , Goutieres Françoise , Fardeau Michel , Lombès Anne
Published: November 2004

Through a report of 4 late‐onset cases with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion, we address the specificity of the clinical entities associated with a very low residual amount of mtDNA. Three of the patients met the diagnostic criteria of Kearns Sayre syndrome, which has never been associated with mtDNA depletion. The fourth patient had an isolated skeletal myopathy. Deleted mtDNA molecules were found by long‐range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) only in the Kearns Sayre syndromes, which strengthens the clinical differences between the two types of patients. All patients had extremely low residual amounts of mtDNA as shown by Southern blot analysis. Using an original method based on competitive PCR, we were able to measure the number of mtDNA copies per diploid genome. These results demonstrated the severity of the depletion in the patients by comparison not only to normal controls but also to patients with mtDNA disorders. Despite the severity of the depletion, in situ hybridization using two mtDNA transcripts revealed a normal steady‐state level of transcription. Such compensation provides clues to the striking contrast between the severity of mtDNA depletion and the late onset and slowly progressive disease.
Cellular and humoral immune response in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Weber Frank , Goldmann Claudia , Krämer Marcus , Kaup Franz Josef , Pickhardt Marcus , Young Peter , Petry Harald , Weber Thomas , Lüke Wolfgang
Published: November 2004

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a fatal, demyelinating disease caused by JC virus (JCV) in patients with severe immunosuppression. We studied the JCV‐specific cellular and humoral immune response in 7 healthy donors (HD), 6 human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1)‐infected patients without PML (HIV), 4 HIV‐1‐negative patients with PML (PML), and 8 HIV‐1‐positive patients with PML (HIV/PML). As antigens, recombinant virus‐like particles of the major structural protein VP1 (VP1‐VLP) of JCV, tetanus toxoid (TT), or the mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were used. Proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after stimulation with the VP1‐VLP was significantly suppressed in PML and HIV/PML patients compared to HD. After antigen stimulation the production of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) was reduced in PML, in HIV/PML, and in HIV patients. The production of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), however, was elevated in HIV/PML patients. Neither proliferation nor cytokine production correlated with the presence of JCV DNA in PBMC. The immunoglobulin G serum antibody titer to the VP1‐VLP was slightly elevated in HIV, elevated in PML, and highly elevated in HIV/PML patients compared to HD. The development of PML appears to coincide with a general impairment of the Th1‐type T‐helper cell function of cell‐mediated immunity.
Presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in the cerebral spinal fluid is a common phenomenon in a variety of neurological diseases and not restricted to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gieffers Jens , Pohl Daniela , Treib Johannes , Dittmann Rike , Stephan Christoph , Klotz Karl , Hanefeld Folker , Solbach Werner , Haass Anton , Maass Matthias
Published: November 2004

Chlamydial DNA and viable organisms have been reported in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We investigated whether this phenomenon is specific for MS and not occurring in patients with other neurological diseases (OND) or in healthy controls and whether it is caused by infected blood monocytes having crossed the blood–brain barrier. Twelve (21%) of fifty‐eight MS patients and 20 (43%) of 47 OND patients had Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in the CSF as determined by nested polymerase chain reaction. Viable organisms were cultured from one OND patient. We failed to detect C. pneumoniae in the CSF of 67 neurologically healthy persons. C. pneumoniae was detected in parallel in the blood monocytes of 2 of 6 CSF‐positive MS patients and in 8 of 10 CSF‐positive OND patients. Thus, chlamydial presence cannot exclusively be explained as being caused by contaminating infected monocytes that have crossed the blood–brain barrier. In peripheral blood mononuclear cell‐negative patients, chlamydia have been cleared from the circulation but persist in the central nervous system (CNS), indicating the establishment of a chronic process. In summary, the presence of C. pneumoniae in patients with neurological diseases is a common phenomenon and is not restricted to MS patients. The pathogenetic relevance of a chronic chlamydial CNS infection for neurological diseases remains unclear, but the hypothesis that susceptible patients may be impaired in their ability to clear chlamydiae from the CNS requires further examination.
Exercise intolerance in mitochondrial myopathy is not related to lactic acidosis
Authors: Vissing John , Gansted Uffe , Quistorff Bjørn
Published: November 2004

In a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, crossover study in seven mitochondrial myopathy patients (MM), we investigated whether lowering of lactate with dichloroacetate (DCA) can improve exercise tolerance and oxidative capacity in MM. DCA lowered plasma lactate at rest and during exercise (from 10.5 ± 2.0 to 5.0 ± 1.6 mM; p = 0.005) but did not improve maximal work load or VO2 in cycle exercise or phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐MRS)‐assessed indices of muscle oxidative metabolism. This indicates that lactate acidosis is not the primary cause of exercise intolerance in MM.
The ND1 gene of complex I is a mutational hot spot for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy
Authors: Valentino Maria Lucia , Barboni Piero , Ghelli Anna , Bucchi Laura , Rengo Chiara , Achilli Alessandro , Torroni Antonio , Lugaresi Alessandra , Lodi Raffaele , Barbiroli Bruno , Dotti MariaTeresa , Federico Antonio , Baruzzi Agostino , Carelli Valerio
Published: November 2004

A novel mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transition (3733G→A) inducing the E143 K amino acid change at a very conserved site of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) was identified in a family with six maternally related individuals with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and in an unrelated sporadic case, all negative for known mutations and presenting with the canonical phenotype. The transition was not detected in 1,082 control mtDNAs and was heteroplasmic in several individuals from both pedigrees. In addition, the mtDNAs of the two families were found to belong to different haplogroups (H and X), thus confirming that the 3733G→A mutation occurred twice independently. Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy disclosed an in vivo brain and skeletal muscle energy metabolism deficit in the four examined patients. Muscle biopsy from two patients showed slight mitochondrial proliferation with abnormal mitochondria. Biochemical investigations in platelets showed partially insensitive complex I to rotenone inhibition. We conclude that the 3733G→A transition is a novel cause of LHON and, after those at positions 3460 and 4171, is the third ND1 mutation to be identified in multiple unrelated families. This finding shows that, in addition to ND6, the ND1 subunit gene is also a mutational hot spot for LHON. Ann Neurol 2004;56:631–641
Serum lipids and hippocampal volume: The link to Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Wolf Henrike , Hensel Anke , Arendt Thomas , Kivipelto Miia , Winblad Bengt , Gertz Hermann‐Josef
Published: November 2004

The association between hippocampal volume (as a presumed index of Alzheimer's disease pathology) with serum total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was studied in 86 elderly subjects with a range of cognitive functions. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, but not low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol or total cholesterol, was associated with hippocampal volume and dementia. This is compatible with protective effects of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol on hippocampal atrophy and Alzheimer's disease. Ann Neurol 2004;56:745–749
Diphenylarsinic acid poisoning from chemical weapons in Kamisu, Japan
Authors: Ishii Kazuhiro , Tamaoka Akira , Otsuka Fujio , Iwasaki Nobuaki , Shin Kenji , Matsui Akira , Endo Ginji , Kumagai Yoshito , Ishii Tetsuro , Shoji Shin'ichi , Ogata Tsuyoshi , Ishizaki Mutsuo , Doi Mikio , Shimojo Nobuhiro
Published: November 2004

We noted a new clinical syndrome with prominent cerebellar symptoms in apartment building residents in Kamisu, Japan. The well that provided drinking water contained diphenylarsinic acid, a degradation product of diphenylcyanoarsine or diphenylchloroarsine, which were developed for use as chemical weapons, inducing severe vomiting and sneezing. Characteristics of diphenylarsinic acid poisoning include brainstem–cerebellar and cerebral symptoms. Mental retardation associated with brain atrophy in magnetic resonance images was evident in some infants. We must be vigilant to prevent or minimize the effects of further diphenylarsinic acid poisoning in Japan or elsewhere. Ann Neurol 2004;56:741–745
Photoinduced birefringence properties of poly‐Schiff bases containing triphenylamine
Authors: Niu Haijun , Huang Yudong , Bai Xuduo , Li Xin , Yang Qingxin
Published: November 2004

Anisotropy was induced in poly‐Schiff bases containing triphenylamine with linearly polarized light at 488 nm. Both writing and relaxation processes were described with a biexponential function. The alignment process involved two response modes: a fast response mode and a slow one. The fast response mode was associated with angular‐dependent trans–cis photoisomerization, whereas the slow one was attributed to the position adjustment of the rigid main chains used to obtain well‐aligned monodomains. The writing rate increased with an increase in the light intensity at a low intensity of the irradiation light. Structural factors such as main‐chain rigidity seemed to play important roles in the remaining stored information. The two polymers had large photoinduced birefringence values (0.01 and 0.0015, respectively). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2274–2279, 2004
Competitive removal of Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ by poly(acrylamide‐co‐maleic acid) hydrogels/differential pulse polarographic determination
Authors: İnam Recai , Gümüş Yeliz , Çaykara Tuncer
Published: November 2004

Poly(acrylamide‐co‐maleic acid) [P(AAm/MA)] hydrogels, with various compositions, were prepared from ternary mixtures of acrylamide (AAm)/maleic acid (MA)/water by using 60Co γ‐rays. The effect of composition of these hydrogels, on the competitive removal of Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ ions from aqueous solution, was investigated. The hydrogel compositions and their adsorption behaviors were determined by use of differential pulse polarography, a very sensitive electroanalytical technique. It was observed that the external stimuli of pH, temperature, and ionic strength have an important role on the adsorption. The increments of MA content in P(AAm/MA) hydrogels caused a significant increase in the adsorption these ions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2401–2406, 2004
Superabsorbent polymeric materials. XIV. Preparation and water absorbency of nanocomposite superabsorbents containing intercalated hydrotalcite
Authors: Lee Wen‐Fu , Chen Yung‐Chu
Published: November 2004

A series of novel xerogels, based on sodium acrylate (NaA), intercalated hydrotalcite (IHT), and N,N′‐methylene‐bisacrylamide (NMBA), were prepared by inverse suspension polymerization. The influences of the HT intercalated with acrylic acid (AA–IHT) and with 2‐acryloylamido‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS–IHT), the content of the IHT in the poly(NaA) gel on the water absorbency, and the initial absorption rate in deionized water and various salt solutions were investigated. Results showed that adding a small amount of IHT could effectively increase the water absorbency of the gels, but adding excess IHT could decrease the water absorbency of the gels. In addition, the water absorbency of the gels containing AA–IHT was lower than that containing AMPS–IHT. The initial absorption rate, for the present gels, increased with increasing content of IHT in the copolymeric gels. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2417–2424, 2004
In situ copolymerization of ethylene to produce linear low‐density polyethylene by Ti(OBu)4/AlEt3‐MAO/SiO2/Et(Ind)2ZrCl2
Authors: Zhu Bochao , Guo Cunyue , Liu Zhongyang , Yin Yuanqi
Published: November 2004

Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) is produced in a reactor from single ethylene feed by combining Ti(OBu)4/AlEt3, capable of forming α‐olefins (predominantly 1‐butene), with SiO2‐supported Et(Ind)2ZrCl2 (denoted MAO/SiO2/Et(Ind)2ZrCl2), which is able to copolymerize ethylene and 1‐butene in situ with little interference in the dual‐functional catalytic system. The two catalysts in the dual‐functional catalytic system match well because of the employment of triethylaluminum (AlEt3) as the single cocatalyst to both Ti(OBu)4 and MAO/SiO2/Et(Ind)2ZrCl2, exhibiting high polymerization activity and improved properties of the obtained polyethylene. There is a noticeable increment in catalytic activity when the amount of Ti(OBu)4 in the reactor increases and 1‐butene can be incorporated by about 6.51 mol % in the backbone of polyethylene chains at the highest Ti(OBu)4 concentration in the feed. The molecular weights (Mw), melting points, and crystallinity of the LLDPE descend as the amount of Ti(OBu)4 decreases, which is attributed mainly to chain termination and high branching degree, while the molecular weight distribution remains within a narrow range as in the case of metallocene catalysts. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2451–2455, 2004
Preparation of antimicrobial sutures by preirradiation grafting of acrylonitrile onto polypropylene monofilament. III. Hydrolysis of the grafted suture
Authors: Gupta Bhuvanesh , Jain Rachna , Anjum Nishat , Singh Harpal
Published: November 2004

Polypropylene‐grafted‐polyacrylonitrile (PP‐g‐PAN) sutures were prepared by graft polymerization of acrylonitrile onto polypropylene (PP) monofilament using a preirradiation method. The grafted PP monofilaments were subsequently hydrolyzed to introduce carboxyl groups for antimicrobial drug immobilization. The maximum conversion of nitrile groups into carboxyl groups was limited to about 62% and produced sutures with carboxyl content ranging from 0.042 to 0.25 mmol/g. The physical characteristics of sutures were evaluated by FTIR, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In general, the hydrolysis did not cause any significant variation in crystalline structure. The mechanical strength was affected in all the grafted sutures. The tensile strength of sutures was investigated as a function of the degree of grafting. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2509–2516, 2004
Stress–strain behavior of blends of bacterial polyhydroxybutyrate
Authors: El‐Taweel S. H. , Stoll B. , Höhne G. W. H. , Mansour A. A. , Seliger H.
Published: November 2004

A series of blends of bacterial poly(R‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), with different miscible amorphous components, were prepared. The molecular mass of the amorphous components was varied from Mn ≈ 600 to 200,000 g/mol. Several factors were found to influence the stress–strain behavior of PHB blends: the glass‐transition temperature, the average molecular mass of amorphous phase, the content of PHB in the blend, the crystallinity, and the drawing temperature. It was found that a high extension ratio at rupture λR > 3 is obtained only if the PHB content is less than 60% (crystallinity Xc < 0.4), although this holds only for blends of bacterial PHB with a high molecular mass (Mn > 30,000) amorphous component. The lowering of glass‐transition temperature by the addition of low molecular mass additives (plasticizers) deteriorates the tensile properties. Measurements at elevated temperatures of ductile blends yielded a marked decrease of both stress at rupture σR and extension ratio at rupture λR. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2528–2537, 2004
Polyamide 6/ethylene‐butylene elastomer blends generated via anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam: Phase morphology and dynamic mechanical behavior
Authors: Omonov T. S. , Harrats C. , Moussaif N. , Groeninckx G. , Sadykov Sh. G. , Ashurov N. R.
Published: November 2004

This paper reports about the polymerization of ε‐caprolactam monomer in the presence of low molecular weight hydroxyl or isocyanate end‐capped ethylene‐butylene elastomer (EB) elastomers as a new concept for the development of a submicron phase morphology in polyamide 6 (PA6)/EB blends. The phase morphology, viscoelastic behavior, and impact strength of the polymerization‐designed blends are compared to those of similar blends prepared via melt‐extrusion of PA6 homopolymer and EB elastomer. Polyamide 6 and EB elastomer were compatibilized using a premade triblock copolymer PA6‐b‐EB‐b‐PA6 or a pure EB‐b‐PA6 diblock reactively generated during melt‐blending (extrusion‐prepared blends) or built‐up via anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam on initiating NCO groups attached to EB chain ends (polymerization‐prepared blends). Two compatibilization approaches were considered for the polymerization‐prepared blends: (i) the addition of a premade PA6‐b‐EB‐b‐PA6 triblock copolymer to the ε‐caprolactam monomer containing nonreactive EBOH elastomer and (ii) generation in situ of a PA6‐b‐EB diblock using EBNCO precursor on which polyamide 6 blocks are built‐up via anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam. The noncompatibilized blends exhibit a coarse phase morphology, either in the extruded or the polymerization prepared blends. Addition of premade triblock copolymer (PA6‐b‐EB‐b‐PA6) to a EBOH /ε‐caprolactam dispersion led to a fine EB phase (0.14 μm) in the PA6 matrix after ε‐caprolactam polymerization. The average particle size of the in situ reactively compatibilized polymerization‐prepared blend is about 1 μm. The notched Izod impact strength of the blend compatibilized with premade triblock copolymer was much higher than that of the neat PA6, the noncompatibilized, and the in situ reactively compatibilized polymerization blends. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2538–2544, 2004
Electrical and magnetic response of archaeological features at the early neolithic site of Movila lui Deciov, western Romania
Authors: Maillol J. M. , Ciobotaru D. L. , Moravetz I.
Published: November 2004

An archaeological geophysics survey was conducted on the early neolithic site of Movila lui Deciov, in the Province of Banat, Romania. Magnetometry and electromagnetic terrain conductivity were used for the main prospection effort, and a test of electrical resistivity imaging was conducted on a selected profile. In addition, magnetic susceptibility measurements were obtained from excavation pit samples.

The magnetic survey was successful in determining the extent of the site, in delimiting zones rich in structures and artefacts, and in confirming the presence of a ditched enclosure that could be the earliest known in the region. The electromagnetic survey was limited by a lack of resolution of electrical property contrast. Detailed joint modelling of the magnetic and electrical response of the subsurface was used to confirm that electrical resistivity imaging can provide depth information to complement magnetic mapping.

One of very few reported in Romania, this survey paves the way for an increased use of geophysical techniques in the cultural heritage management of this country. From a methodological viewpoint, this work further demonstrates the potential of electrical resistivity imaging in archaeology Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunogenetic differences between Caucasian women with and those without silicone implants in whom myositis develops
Authors: O'Hanlon Terrance , Koneru Bhanu , Bayat Elham , Love Lori , Targoff Ira , Malley James , Malley Karen , Miller Frederick ,   Environmental Myositis Study Group
Published: November 2004

Objective

To determine whether patients in whom myositis develops after they receive silicone breast implants have distinct clinical, serologic, and/or immunogenetic features compared with patients with myositis who do not have silicone implants.

Methods

A preliminary case series study was followed by a larger, independent, matched case–control study to evaluate women in whom myositis developed after they received silicone implants (MASI patients) compared with healthy women with silicone implants and women with myositis but without silicone implants (idiopathic inflammatory myopathy; IIM patients).

Results

In a preliminary study, 11 MASI patients differed from 76 IIM patients in having an increased frequency of HLA–DQA1*0102 (odds ratio [OR] 9.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.77–96.79) and decreased frequencies of the myositis‐associated risk factor DRB1*0301 (OR 0.1 [95% CI 0.002–0.63]) and its linked allele DQA1*0501 (OR 0.2 [95% CI 0.02–0.87]). A subsequent independent, matched case–control study revealed that although clinical features and autoantibodies did not differ significantly between the MASI and IIM groups, MASI patients again had decreased frequencies of DRB1*0301 (OR 0.2 [95% CI 0.07–0.72]) and DQA1*0501 (OR 0.2 [95% CI 0.08–0.84]) compared with IIM patients. Additional comparisons between MASI patients from both studies combined (n = 37) and a larger population of IIM patients (n = 453) suggested that HLA–DQA1*0102 may be uniquely associated with MASI (OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.25–5.46]).

Conclusion

Women in whom inflammatory myopathy develops after they receive silicone implants constitute an immunogenetically distinct group of patients with myositis. These and other data suggest that autoimmune diseases as now defined may consist of multiple distinct entities, each of which is characterized by different genes and environmental exposures.
Particular HLA–DRB1 shared epitope genotypes are strongly associated with rheumatoid vasculitis
Authors: Gorman Jennifer D. , David‐Vaudey Eve , Pai Madhukar , Lum Raymond F. , Criswell Lindsey A.
Published: November 2004

Objective

To examine the relationship of the HLA–DRB1 shared epitope (SE) to rheumatoid vasculitis, using individual patient data (IPD) meta‐analytic methods.

Methods

Published studies that enrolled adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were identified by searches of Medline and Embase, and by manual searches of medical journals. All authors were contacted for IPD. Meta‐analyses were performed to assess the association of SE presence, dose, and genotype with rheumatoid vasculitis.

Results

A total of 14 studies and 1,568 patients (129 with vasculitis) were included in the analysis. RA patients with vasculitis were significantly more likely to have rheumatoid nodules (odds ratio [OR] 2.5, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.5–3.9], but there was no significant association with male sex, rheumatoid factor positivity, or erosive disease. No significant association was observed between the presence of the SE (i.e., 1 or 2 alleles versus 0 alleles) and rheumatoid vasculitis (summary OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7–2.7). Analysis by SE genotype, however, demonstrated a striking relationship of vasculitis to 3 genotypes containing a double dose of the SE, specifically HLA–DRB1*0401/*0401 (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.01–37.9), *0401/*0404 (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.1–16.2), and *0101/*0401 (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.4–11.6).

Conclusion

The HLA–DRB1 SE genotypes *0401/*0401, *0401/*0404, and *0101/*0401 may be of particular importance to rheumatoid vasculitis. It is hoped that additional investigation of these and other SE genotypes will lead to improved insight into the mechanisms influencing the clinical expression of RA.
Clonal B cell populations in the blood and liver of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Vallat Laurent , Benhamou Yves , Gutierrez Maya , Ghillani Pascale , Hercher Christel , Thibault Vincent , Charlotte Frédéric , Piette Jean‐Charles , Poynard Thierry , Merle‐Béral Hélène , Davi Frédéric , Cacoub Patrice
Published: November 2004

Objective

The association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with type II mixed cryoglobulinemia is well established, but the role of HCV in B cell lymphoma remains controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of circulating and liver‐infiltrating monoclonal B cells in patients with HCV infection.

Methods

One hundred sixty patients were studied prospectively, including 115 HCV‐positive patients and 45 HCV‐negative patients with other nonimmune chronic liver disease(s). B cell clonality was determined by DNA amplification of the IgH rearrangements, followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Results

A clonal B cell population was detected in the blood of 21 (26%) of 81 HCV‐positive patients whose cryoglobulin status was known, including 12 of 25 patients with type II cryoglobulinemia, 2 of 12 patients with type III cryoglobulinemia, and 7 of 44 patients without cryoglobulins. A clonal IgH rearrangement was detected in 26 (32%) of 81 liver biopsy specimens from HCV‐ infected patients, including 16 patients with a circulating clonal population. A clonal B cell population was not observed in the blood of 40 patients with non‐HCV liver diseases and was present in only 1 (3%) of 30 liver biopsy specimens. Logistic regression analysis showed that HCV‐infected patients with clonal B cell proliferation in both the blood and liver were older (P = 0.004) and had longer duration of HCV infection (P = 0.009), higher serum cryoglobulin levels (P = 0.001) that were more frequently symptomatic (P < 0.03), and liver disease that was more severe than that in patients without a clonal B cell population in the blood or liver (P = 0.05). In 4 of 16 patients with a clonal B cell population in both the blood and liver, a definite B cell malignancy was finally diagnosed.

Conclusion

Clonal B lymphocytes are frequently detected in the blood and liver of patients with chronic HCV infection, in the absence of overt B cell malignancy. These clones are usually, but not always, associated with the presence of type II cryoglobulins. A high percentage of patients with B cell clonality in both the blood and liver were finally diagnosed as having a definite B cell malignancy.
Minocycline‐induced hyperpigmentation masquerading as alkaptonuria in individuals with joint pain
Authors: Suwannarat Pim , Phornphutkul Chanika , Bernardini Isa , Turner Maria , Gahl William A.
Published: November 2004

Alkaptonuria, a rare autosomal‐recessive disorder caused by mutations in the HGD gene and a deficiency of homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase, is characterized by accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA), ochronosis, and destruction of connective tissue resulting in joint disease. Certain medications have been reported to cause cutaneous hyperpigmentation resembling that of alkaptonuria. We present 5 such cases. Eighty‐eight patients with a possible diagnosis of alkaptonuria were examined at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center between June 2000 and March 2004. The diagnosis of alkaptonuria was confirmed or ruled out by measurement of HGA in the urine. Five patients with findings consistent with ochronosis, including pigmentary changes of the ear and mild degenerative disease of the spine and large joints, were diagnosed clinically as having alkaptonuria, but the diagnosis was withdrawn based on normal urine HGA levels. All 5 patients were women who had taken minocycline for dermatologic or rheumatologic disorders for extended periods. Minocycline‐induced hyperpigmentation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ochronosis. This could be of increased significance now that minocycline and other tetracyclines have been proposed as therapeutic options for rheumatoid arthritis, bringing a new population of patients with ochronosis and arthritis to medical attention with the potential, but incorrect, diagnosis of alkaptonuria.
The combination of SOX5, SOX6, and SOX9 (the SOX trio) provides signals sufficient for induction of permanent cartilage
Authors: Ikeda Toshiyuki , Kamekura Satoru , Mabuchi Akihiko , Kou Ikuyo , Seki Shoji , Takato Tsuyoshi , Nakamura Kozo , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Ikegawa Shiro , Chung Ung‐il
Published: November 2004

Objective

To regenerate permanent cartilage, it is crucial to know not only the necessary conditions for chondrogenesis, but also the sufficient conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the signal sufficient for chondrogenesis.

Methods

Embryonic stem cells that had been engineered to fluoresce upon chondrocyte differentiation were treated with combinations of factors necessary for chondrogenesis, and chondrocyte differentiation was detected as fluorescence. We screened for the combination that could induce fluorescence within 3 days. Then, primary mesenchymal stem cells, nonchondrogenic immortalized cell lines, and primary dermal fibroblasts were treated with the combination, and the induction of chondrocyte differentiation was assessed by detecting the expression of the cartilage marker genes and the accumulation of proteoglycan‐rich matrix. The effects of monolayer, spheroid, and 3‐dimensional culture systems on induction by combinations of transcription factors were compared. The effects of the combination on hypertrophic and osteoblastic differentiation were evaluated by detecting the expression of the characteristic marker genes.

Results

No single factor induced fluorescence. Among various combinations examined, only the SOX5, SOX6, and SOX9 combination (the SOX trio) induced fluorescence within 3 days. The SOX trio successfully induced chondrocyte differentiation in all cell types tested, including nonchondrogenic types, and the induction occurred regardless of the culture system used. Contrary to the conventional chondrogenic techniques, the SOX trio suppressed hypertrophic and osteogenic differentiation at the same time.

Conclusion

These data strongly suggest that the SOX trio provides signals sufficient for the induction of permanent cartilage.
Erythropoietin production rate in phlebotomy‐induced acute anemia
Authors: Al‐Huniti N.H. , Widness J.A. , Schmidt R.L. , Veng‐Pedersen P.
Published: November 2004

Objective. To estimate the rate of erythropoietin (EPO) production under physiological, conditions and to examine the regulatory mechanism of EPO production in response to acute phlebotomy‐induced anemia.

Methods. Six sheep each underwent two phlebotomies in which the hemoglobin (Hb) was reduced to 3–4 g/dl over 4–5 h. The EPO plasma level, reticulocytes, Hb and EPO clearance were followed by frequent blood sampling. The EPO production rate was determined by a semi‐parametric method based on a disposition decomposition analysis that accounts for the nonlinear disposition kinetics of EPO and corrects for time‐dependent changes in the clearance.

Results. The controlled drop in hemoglobin resulted in an abrupt increase in the plasma EPO concentration (peak level 812 ± 40 mU/ml, mean ± CV%) that was followed by a rapid drop 2–4 days after the phlebotomy at a time when the sheep were still anemic (Hb = 4.3 ± 16 g/dl). The EPO production rate at baseline was 43 ± 52 U/day/kg and the amounts of EPO produced over an 8 day period resulting from the first and second phlebotomy were 2927 ± 40 U/kg and 3012 ± 31 U/kg, respectively.

Conclusions. The rapid reduction in the EPO plasma level observed 2–4 days following the phlebotomy cannot be explained solely by the increase in EPO clearance but also by a reduction in EPO production. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Einflüsse auf die Betoneigenschaften durch den Einsatz von PP‐Fasern zur Erhöhung der Brandbeständigkeit von WDI‐Innenschalen
Authors: Pichler Walter , Wagner Oliver K.
Published: November 2004

Durch die Zugabe von 2 kg/m3 PP‐Fasern kann ein Abplatzen von Innenschalenbeton auch unter den extremen Bedingungen eines Brandes im Tunnel zuverlässig verhindert werden. Durch die Fasern werden die Betoneigenschaften verändert. Insbesondere bei bewehrten Innenschalen werden die Einbaueigenschaften negativ beeinflußt. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die diesbezüglichen Erkenntnisse aus Laborversuchen erläutert, welche nach der baupraktischen Erprobung bereits erfolgreich auf einer Baustelle in Wien eingesetzt werden konnten. Des weiteren werden Hinweise auf zu beachtende Einflußfaktoren gegeben.
Generating favorable nano‐environments for thermal and solvent stabilization of immobilized β‐galactosidase
Authors: Irazoqui Gabriela , Villarino Andrea , Batista‐Viera Francisco , Brena Beatriz M.
Published: November 2004

β‐Galactosidase (Escherichia coli) was immobilized through its thiol groups on thiolsulfinate‐agarose gel. After enzyme immobilization, different nano‐environments were generated by reacting the excess of gel‐bound thiolsulfinate moieties with 2‐mercaptoethanesulfonic acid (S‐gel), glutathione (G‐gel), cysteamine (C‐gel), and mercaptoethanol (M‐gel). Concerning thermal stability at 50°C, the G‐gel and the M‐gel derivatives were the most stable with residual activity values of 67% and 45%, respectively. The stability in several solvent systems was studied: ethyl acetate (1.6% vol/vol), ethylene glycol (50% vol/vol), and 2‐propanol (50% vol/vol). In ethyl acetate, both the M‐gel and S‐gel were highly stabilized; the time required for activity to decay to 80% of the initial activity was increased 29‐fold for the M‐gel and 20‐fold for the S‐gel with respect to the soluble enzyme. The G‐gel was the least stable of all the derivatives. The different behaviors of the derivatives in thermal and solvent stability studies suggest that each nano‐environment contributes differently to the enzyme stability, depending on the denaturing conditions. Therefore, it may be possible to tailor the matrix surface to maximize enzyme stability in particular applications. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 77: 430–434, 2002; DOI 10.1002/bit.10109
Continuous protein recovery from whey using liquid‐solid circulating fluidized bed ion‐exchange extraction
Authors: Lan Qingdao , Bassi Amarjeet , Zhu Jing‐Xu (Jesse) , Margaritis Argyrios
Published: November 2004

A liquid‐solid circulating fluidized bed (LSCFB) continuous ion‐exchange extraction system has been investigated for total protein recovery from whey solutions under various operating conditions. The effectiveness of a dynamic seal was evaluated between the riser and the downcomer, and the best conditions for the establishment of this seal were established. Start‐up studies indicated that the system is robust and stable. Under optimal conditions, a productivity of 8.2 g of total protein removed per hour per kilogram of resin was achieved with a protein removal efficiency of 78.4%. However, higher overall protein recovery of up to 90% was also achieved under other conditions, with lower protein concentration in the effluent and a lower overall productivity. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 157–163, 2002; DOI 10.1002/bit.10171
Production of galacto‐oligosaccharides from lactose by Aspergillus oryzae β‐galactosidase immobilized on cotton cloth
Authors: Albayrak Nedim , Yang Shang‐Tian
Published: November 2004

The production of galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) from lactose by A. oryzae β‐galactosidase immobilized on cotton cloth was studied. The total amounts and types of GOS produced were mainly affected by the initial lactose concentration in the reaction media. In general, more and larger GOS can be produced with higher initial lactose concentrations. A maximum GOS production of 27% (w/w) of initial lactose was achieved at 50% lactose conversion with 500 g/L of initial lactose concentration. Tri‐saccharides were the major types of GOS formed, accounting for more than 70% of the total GOS produced in the reactions. Temperature and pH affected the reaction rate, but did not result in any changes in GOS formation. The presence of galactose and glucose at the concentrations encountered near maximum GOS greatly inhibited the reactions and reduced GOS yield by as much as 15%. The cotton cloth as the support matrix for enzyme immobilization did not affect the GOS formation characteristics of the enzyme, suggesting no diffusion limitation in the enzyme carrier. The thermal stability of the enzyme increased ∼25‐fold upon immobilization on cotton cloth. The half‐life for the immobilized enzyme on cotton cloth was more than 1 year at 40°C and 48 days at 50°C. Stable, continuous operation in a plugflow reactor was demonstrated for 2 weeks without any apparent problem. A maximum GOS production of 21 and 26% (w/w) of total sugars was attained with a feed solution containing 200 and 400 g/L of lactose, respectively, at pH 4.5 and 40°C. The corresponding reactor productivities were 80 and 106 g/L/h, respectively, which are at least several‐fold higher than those previously reported. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 77: 8–19, 2002.
Process development for a recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line utilizing a metal induced and amplified metallothionein expression system
Authors: Huang Edwin P. , Marquis Christopher P. , Gray Peter P.
Published: November 2004

The suspension Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line, 13‐10‐302, utilizing the metallothionein (MT) expression system producing recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) was studied in a serum‐free and cadmium‐free medium at different fermentation scales and modes of operation. Initial experiments were carried out to optimize the concentration of metal addition to induce the MT promoter. Subsequently, the cultivation of the 13‐10‐302 cell line was scaled up from spinner flasks into bioreactors, and the cultivation duration was extended with fed‐batch and perfusion strategies utilizing 180 μM zinc to induce the promoter controlling expression of recombinant hGH. It was shown that a fed‐batch process could increase the maximum cell numbers twofold, from 3.3 to 6.3 × 106 cell/mL, over those obtained in normal batch fermentations, and this coupled with extended fermentation times resulted in a fourfold increase in final hGH titer, from 135 ± 15 to 670 ± 70 mg/L at a specific productivity qhGH value of 12 pg cell−1d−1. The addition of sodium butyrate increased the specific productivity of hGH in cells to a value of approximately 48 pg cell−1d−1, resulting in a final hGH titer of over a gram per liter during fed‐batch runs. A BioSep acoustic cell recycler was used to retain the cells in the bioreactor during perfusion operation. It was necessary to maintain the specific feeding rates (SFR) above a value of 0.2 vvd/(106 cell/mL) to maintain the viability and productivity of the 13‐10‐302 cells; under these conditions the viable cell number increased to over 107 cell/mL and resulted in a volumetric productivity of over 120 mg(hGH) L−1d−1. Process development described in this work demonstrates cultivation at various scales and sustained high levels of productivity under cadmium free condition in a CHO cell line utilizing an inducible metallothionein expression system. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Continuous cell partitioning using an aqueous two‐phase flow system in microfluidic devices
Authors: Yamada Masumi , Kasim Vivi , Nakashima Megumi , Edahiro Jun'ichi , Seki Minoru
Published: November 2004

We present a novel microfluidic system in which an aqueous two‐phase laminar flow is stably formed, and the continuous partitioning of relatively large cells can be performed, eliminating the influence of gravity. In this study, plant cell aggregates whose diameters were 37–96 μm were used as model particles. We first performed cell partitioning using a simple straight microchannel having two inlets and two outlets and examined the effects of the flow rate and the phase width on partitioning efficiency. Second, by using a microchannel with a pinched segment, the partitioning efficiency was successfully improved. This microscale aqueous two‐phase flow system can further be incorporated into micro total analysis systems (μTAS) or lab‐on‐a‐chip technology, owing to its simplicity, applicability, and biocompatibility. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activation of lignin peroxidase in organic media by reversed micelles
Authors: Kimura Masayuki , Michizoe Junji , Oakazaki Shin‐ya , Furusaki Shintaro , Goto Masahiro , Tanaka Hiroo , Wariishi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2004

Activation of lignin peroxidase (LIP) in an organic solvent by reversed micelles was investigated. Bis(2‐ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) was used as a surfactant to form a reversed micelle. Lyophilized LIP from an optimized aqueous solution exhibited no enzymatic activity in any organic solvents examined in this study; however, LIP was catalytically active by being entrapped in the AOT reversed micellar solution. LIP activity in the reversed micelle was enhanced by optimizing either the preparation or the operation conditions, such as water content and pH in water pools of the reversed micelle and the reaction temperature. Stable activity was obtained in isooctane because of the stability of the reversed micelle. The optimal pH was 5 in the reversed micellar system, which shifted from pH 3 in the aqueous solution. The degradation reaction of several environmental pollutants was attempted using LIP hosted in the AOT reversed micelle. Degradation achieved after a 1‐h reaction reached 81%, 50%, and 22% for p‐nonylphenol, bisphenol A, and 2,4‐dichlorophenol, respectively. This is the first report on the utilization of LIP in organic media. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.