bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal diagnosis in Coffin‐Lowry syndrome demonstrates germinal mosaicism confirmed by mutation analysis
Authors: Horn Denise , Delaunoy Jean‐Pierre , Kunze Jürgen
Published: January 2005

Coffin‐Lowry syndrome is a rare X‐linked, semi‐dominant mental retardation syndrome resulting from mutations of the ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) gene. In the present report, a male patient affected with Coffin‐Lowry syndrome is shown to have a nonsense mutation of the RSK2 gene. His unaffected mother does not have this mutation in her lymphocytes. In her third pregnancy prenatal diagnosis by mutation analysis has detected gonadal mosaicism. As this is the second report of germinal mosaicism in Coffin‐Lowry syndrome, the finding has important implication for genetic counselling. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 20 by chorionic villus sampling (CVS): a case report with long‐term outcome
Authors: Steinberg Warren Nancy , Soukup Shirley , King Jennifer L. , St. J. Dignan Peter
Published: January 2005

A case of prenatally diagnosed non‐mosaic trisomy 20 in cells cultured from a chorionic villus sample (CVS)is presented. The term placental karyotype was also non‐mosaic trisomy 20. The karyotype of thenewborn was 46,XY/47,XY,+20 in foreskin cultures and in a second skin culture; blood lymphocyte culture was 46,XY. Aside from diffuse, hypopigmentary swirls along the lines of Blaschko observed on hisextremities and trunk, referred to as hypomelanosis of Ito, the patient is clinically normal at 8¾ years ofage. In addition, he is one of the oldest reported cases of mosaic trisomy 20 confirmed after birth forwhich the clinical outcome has been monitored. This case demonstrates that these trisomy 20 findings are compatible with normal psychomotor development and phenotype. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis: a cause of prenatal ascites
Authors: Grootenboer Sabine , Barro Claire , Cynober Thérèse , Olivier Schischmanoff P. , Ayoubi Jean‐Marc , Tchernia Gil , Delaunay Jean , Pons Jean‐Claude
Published: January 2005

Dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (DHS) is a rare congenital hemolytic anemia. We observed that some patients had presented with different prenatal or perinatal forms of edema in some kindreds. Within weeks or months after birth, these exhibited a spontaneous, complete and definitive resorption. We assumed that some DHS patients, who were born without edema before ultrasound was available, might nonetheless have exhibited this during the prenatal period. The present report follows up the first pregnancy in a woman with overt DHS, but not herself having a known history of perinatal effusions. Ultrasound revealed that the fetus displayed ascites that disappeared prior to birth. The neonate had DHS. Prenatal edema must therefore be more frequent in DHS than known until now. DHS is another cause of prenatal edema to be considered in the differential diagnosis. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of kyphomelic dysplasia
Authors: Guala A. , Biroli E. , Bassini P. , Botta G. , Licata D. , Di Cara G. , Franceschini D. , Franceschini P.
Published: January 2005

Kyphomelic dysplasia (KD) is a rare autosomal recessive entity characterized by disproportionate dwarfism with shortening and bowing of the limbs, narrow chest, 11 ribs and metaphyseal flaring. Mental development is generally normal. We report the in utero ultrasound appearances and post‐mortem radiographic findings of a 22‐week‐old male fetus suggestive of KD. A review of 19 previously reported patients with KD is also presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of prenatal upper tract dilatation
Authors: Mouriquand Pierre D. E. , Whitten Melissa , Pracros Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2005

Upper tract dilatation presenting as renal pelvis dilatation with or without ureteric dilatation is one of the more common abnormalities detected on prenatal ultrasound scanning. The majority of cases are due to pelvi‐ureteric and vesico‐ureteric junction anomalies, and vesico‐ureteric reflux. Prenatal diagnosis with ultrasound may be aided by biochemical analysis of fetal blood and urine. The natural history of prenatally detected abnormalities remains under review. Precise diagnosis, and therefore prognosis, may not be made until after birth. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased nuchal translucency as a prenatal manifestation of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Masturzo B. , Hyett J. A. , Kalache K. D. , Rumsby G. , Jauniaux E. , Rodeck C. H.
Published: January 2005

We present two cases of pregnant women with a previous history of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In both cases the only abnormal feature in the initial pregnancy had been increased nuchal translucency at 10–14 weeks of gestation. The fetal karyotype was normal and a diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia was made after delivery. In their current pregnancies, both fetuses also had increased nuchal translucency and normal fetal karyotype. Diagnosis of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency was made prenatally by DNA analysis. These findings in four affected fetuses suggest that congenital adrenal hyperplasia should be added to the list of genetic anomalies associated with an increase in nuchal translucency. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐assembly of ionic amphiphiles on polyelectrolyte chains
Authors: Kabanov Victor A , Zezin Alexander B , Kasaikin Victor A , Zakharova Julia A , Litmanovich Ekaterina A , Ivleva Elena M
Published: January 2005

The formation and structure of water‐soluble complexes of partly neutralized poly(acrylic acid) (PA) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) with oppositely‐charged surfactants [tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C14AB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)] have been studied by elastic and quasi‐elastic laser light‐scattering, high‐speed sedimentation and viscometry techniques. It was shown that minimum aggregation number (nmin) of the surfactant ions in the complex micelle depends on the chemical structure of the polyelectrolyte. In particular, C14AB interacting with PA in dilute water solutions forms PA bound micelles with nmin of 102 similar to spherical micelles formed by free C14AB. This is in contrast to soluble PDADMAC–SDS complex species, which are most probably vesicles, each containing ca 105 surfactant ions instead of 102 characteristic for free SDS spherical micelles. A shift from a dilute to a semi‐dilute solution regime with respect to the free PDADMAC results in drastic rearrangement of the PDADMAC–SDS complex structure. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Multihydroxyl branched polyethers by cationic copolymerization of hydroxymethyloxetanes: copolymerization of 3‐ethyl‐3‐(hydroxymethyl)oxetane with difunctional oxetane
Authors: Bednarek Melania
Published: January 2005

A possible route for the synthesis of multihydroxyl branched polyethers with various molecular weights and functionality is described. It was found that copolymerization of 3‐ethyl‐3‐(hydroxymethyl)oxetane (EOX) with appropriate amounts of difunctional oxetane (diEOX) leads to products with higher molecular weight than polyEOX obtained under similar conditions. The same effect may be obtained by reaction of polyEOX with diEOX. It was shown that the higher molecular weight fraction is formed by coupling of the initially formed polyEOX macromolecules with diEOX molecules. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of metallo‐supramolecular micelles
Authors: Gohy Jean‐François , Lohmeijer Bas GG , Décamps Brigitte , Leroy Eric , Boileau Sylvie , van den Broek Jacomina A , Schubert Dieter , Haase Winfried , Schubert Ulrich S
Published: January 2005

Two different metallo‐supramolecular amphiphilic block copolymers have been synthesized, using a hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) block connected through a bis‐(2,2′:6′2″‐terpyridine–ruthenium) complex either to a hydrophobic polystyrene or to a poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene) block. These copolymers were used to prepare aqueous micelles. The morphological characterization of the metallo‐supramolecular micelles was performed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Besides individual micelles, larger structures were also observed by these two independent techniques. The larger structures were the result of aggregation of individual micelles. In addition, the influence of the ionic strength of the medium was investigated. Although the metallo‐supramolecular copolymers do not contain charged blocks, the corresponding micelles behaved as polyelectrolyte‐like micelles. This behaviour was attributed to the presence of NaCl ions, strongly associated to the poly(ethylene oxide) blocks. This was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, that revealed the presence of the salt in the metallo‐supramolecular micelles. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Solid‐state NMR relaxometry study of phenolic resins
Authors: Adriaensens Peter , Rego Robby , Carleer Robert , Ottenbourgs Ben , Gelan Jan
Published: January 2005

1H wideline and 13C CP/MAS spin‐lattice (T1H) relaxation solid‐state NMR experiments have been performed in order to investigate the cure state of phenolic novolac resins. Due to the process of spin diffusion, a single averaged T1H decay time was found which was sensitive to the cure state of the network structure. Measurements as a function of temperature revealed that mobile end‐groups and branches determine the most efficient pathway of T1H relaxation. Combined with FTIR measurements, it is shown that rearrangements of the hydrogen bond structure take place upon heating–cooling. There are strong indications that the process of disruption–reformation of the hydrogen bonds is not completely reversible. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of proteolytic enzymes in gastrointestinal fluids on drug release from polyelectrolyte complex microspheres based on partially phosphorylated chitosan
Authors: Win Phyu Phyu , Shin‐ya Yoshitsune , Hong Kyung‐Jin , Kajiuchi Toshio
Published: January 2005

This study investigated the effect of proteolytic enzymes on in vitro release of ibuprofen from phosphorylated chitosan (PCS) microspheres in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) (pH 1.4) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) (pH 7.4). To reduce the enzymatic degradability and to enhance the sustained release property, polyelectrolyte complex microspheres based on PCS were developed and characterized. The ibuprofen release from PCS microspheres was found to be sustained more effectively than that from CS microspheres in the medium containing proteolytic enzymes. It was concluded that the PCS microspheres can be used more successfully as sustained oral drug‐delivery vehicles than CS microspheres due to their lesser enzymatic degradability. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Renal and urinary proteomics: Current applications and challenges
Authors: Thongboonkerd Visith , Malasit Prida
Published: January 2005

During the past few years, proteomics has been extensively applied to various fields of medicine including nephrology. Current applications of renal and urinary proteomics are to better understand renal physiology, to explore the complexity of disease mechanisms, and to identify novel biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. This review provides some examples and perspectives of how proteomics can be applied to nephrology and how experimental data can be linked to physiology, functional significance and clinical applications. In some instances, proteomic analysis can be utilized to generate a new hypothesis from a set of candidates that are obtained from expression studies. The new hypothesis can then be addressed rapidly by conventional molecular biology methods, as demonstrated by identification of an altered renal elastin‐elastase system in diabetic nephropathy and alterations in the renal kallikrein‐kallistatin pathway in hypoxia‐induced hypertension. The strengths and limitations of proteomics in renal research are summarized. Optimization of analytical protocols is required to overcome current limitations. Applications of proteomics to nephrology will then be more fruitful and successful.
Numerical approaches for quantitative analysis of two‐dimensional maps: A review of commercial software and home‐made systems
Authors: Marengo Emilio , Robotti Elisa , Antonucci Francesca , Cecconi Daniela , Campostrini Natascia , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: January 2005

The present review attempts to cover a number of methods that have appeared in the last few years for performing quantitative proteome analysis. However, due to the large number of methods described for both electrophoretic and chromatographic approaches, we have limited this review to conventional two‐dimensional (2‐D) map analysis which couples orthogonally a charge‐based step (isoelectric focusing) to a size‐based separation step (sodium dodecyl sulfate‐electrophoresis). The first and oldest method applied to 2‐D map data reduction is based on statistical analysis performed on sets of gels via powerful software packages, such as Melanie, PDQuest, Z3 and Z4000, Phoretix and Progenesis. This method calls for separately running a number of replicas for control and treated samples. The two sets of data are then merged and compared via a number of software packages which we describe. In addition to commercially‐available systems, a number of home made approaches for 2‐D map comparison have been recently described and are also reviewed. They are based on fuzzyfication of the digitized 2‐D gel image coupled to linear discriminant analysis, three‐way principal component analysis or a combination of principal component analysis and soft‐independent modeling of class analogy. These statistical tools appear to perform well in differential proteomic studies.
Immunoaffinity reactors for prion protein qualitative analysis
Authors: Bílková Zuzana , Castagna Annalisa , Zanusso Gianluigi , Farinazzo Alessia , Monaco Salvatore , Damoc Eugen , Przybylski Michael , Beneš Milan , Lenfeld Jiří , Viovy Jean‐Louis , Righetti Pier Giorgo
Published: January 2005

The cellular prion protein (PrPc) represents the substrate for generation of conformational aberrant PrP isoforms which occur in human and animal prion diseases. The published two‐dimensional maps of human PrPc show a vast microheterogeneity of this glycoprotein. The main goal of this project was to develop a highly specific immunoaffinity reactor for qualitative analysis of PrP cellular isoforms isolated from brain homogenate, cerebrospinal fluid and other tissues. New techniques for affinity proteomics, carriers and immobilization chemistry were applied. The choice of matrix (chemical and magnetic properties, particle size and distribution, porosity) was the key factor that influenced the quality of the reactor and the nature of final applications. Mouse anti‐prion IgGs directed to N‐terminal and C‐terminal epitopes (residues 23–40 and 147–165) were grafted in different manners to magnetic micro‐ and nanoparticles particularly developed for µ‐CHIP application. High operational and storage stability of affinity reactors with minimized nonspecific absorption were achieved. The quality of the immunoreactors was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting and by two‐dimensional electrophoresis.
β‐Phenylethyl isothiocyanate mediated apoptosis: A proteomic investigation of early apoptotic protein changes
Authors: Neo Jason Chun Hong , Rose Peter , Ong Choon Nam , Chung Maxey C. M.
Published: January 2005

β‐Phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a promising chemopreventative agent found in abundance in watercress (Rorripa nasturtium aquaticum) as its glucosinolate precursor. In the present investigation, we sought to determine the early changes in protein expression that contribute to the mechanism(s) of PEITC‐mediated apoptosis in the human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. Such data may invariably identify new molecular targets of PEITC, contributing to a greater understanding of the mechanism(s) by which isothiocyanates mediate apoptotic cascades. Using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis we determined the changes in global protein expression between control (0.01% dimethyl sulfoxide) and PEITC (IC50 ∼ 20µM) treated cells after 3 and 6 h, such time points being used to circumvent the effects of caspase mediate proteolysis. Comparison between PEITC treated cells with their respective controls showed that 17 protein spots were differentially expressed. Fourteen of these spots, representing 9 unique proteins, were successfully identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption / ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) and MALDI tandem time of flight (TOF / TOF) mass spectrometry. We observed significant shifts in isoelectric points on two‐dimensional electrophoresis gels in heat shock 27 kDa protein (HSP27), macrophage migration inhibition factor and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) indicating that these proteins are probably involved in protein phosphorylation. Indeed, hnRNP K was determined to be phosphorylated on key tyrosine residues as assessed by using antiphosphotyrosine antibodies. In separate experiments we also showed that c‐myc is up‐regulated in PEITC treated cells, and since hnRNP K is reported to induce overexpression of c‐myc, we proposed that PEITC‐induced apoptosis may involve a c‐myc dependent apoptotic pathway in HepG2 cells.
Helicobacter pylori immunoproteomes in case reports of rosacea and chronic urticaria
Authors: Mini Roberta , Figura Natale , D'Ambrosio Chiara , Braconi Daniela , Bernardini Giulia , Di Simplicio Francesca , Lenzi Cristina , Nuti Ranuccio , Trabalzini Lorenza , Martelli Paola , Bovalini Lucia , Scaloni Andrea , Santucci Annalisa
Published: January 2005

Rosacea and chronic urticaria are two common skin disorders existing in idiopathic forms. A role of Helicobacter pylori bacterium infection in the aetiopathogenesis of rosacea or chronic urticaria has been suggested although still controversial. The aim of the present study was to establish a relationship between H. pylori infection and rosacea chronic urticaria by means of an immunoproteomic investigation. We analyzed immunoglobulin A (IgA)‐, IgG‐, and IgE‐mediated immune‐responses against H. pylori antigens and we identified some bacterial immunoresponsive proteins. A general IgA‐ and IgE‐mediated immune response against antioxidative bacterial proteins was observed. A correlation between the bacterial occurrence and skin diseases pathogenesis is discussed.
Main chain 1,1′‐ferrocene‐containing polyelectrolytes exhibiting thermotropic liquid‐crystalline and fluorescent properties
Authors: Gao Ye , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: January 2005

A series of 1,1′‐ferrocene‐containing polyelectrolytes (3, 4) were prepared when 1,1′‐bis(N,N‐dimethylaminomethyl)ferrocene (1a) or 1, 1′‐bis{[1‐(2‐methyl)imidazol‐1‐yl]methyl}ferrocene (1b) was quaternized with 1,4‐dibromobutane or α, α′‐dibromo‐p‐xylene. The counterion was bromide or bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)‐amide formed after metathesis with the lithium salt. Their chemical structures were determined by IR and NMR spectra. Molecular weights in the range of ∼5400 (4a)– ∼14,700 (4c) for number‐average molecular weights (Mn) over narrow molecular weight distributions were determined for polymers 4 by gel permeation chromatography. Thermal properties of these materials were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis that showed the polymers had thermal stabilities ranging between 172 and 330 °C. Liquid‐crystalline behavior was investigated on a hot stage polarizing optical microscope. Polymers 3a, 4b, and 4d formed either a high‐order or a low‐order smectic phase above their melting or fusion temperatures, and exhibited smectic‐to‐isotropic transitions. The ranges of the liquid‐crystalline phases for these materials were 22, 46, and >55 °C. Compounds 3b, 4a, and 4c are crystalline before melting or decomposing. All of the polymers exhibited absorption bands at ∼430 nm. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 974–983, 2005
A randomized psychosocial intervention study on the effect of home visits on the well‐being of Danish colorectal cancer patients‐the INCA project
Authors: Ross Lone , Thomsen Birthe L. , Karlsen Randi V. , Boesen Ellen H. , Johansen Christoffer
Published: January 2005

Home visits by health care professionals may constitute a formalized social relationship in which cancer patients can be given emotional and informational support. We aimed at studying the effect of home visits on the well‐being of colorectal cancer patients. A total of 249 Danish colorectal cancer patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to a control group or to an intervention group. The intervention group received 10 home visits carried out by a project nurse or a medical doctor during the first 2 years after discharge. Participants were interviewed 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after discharge in order to assess well‐being. Using a linear mixed model, we found no overall effect of the intervention on well‐being. We recommend that future psychosocial intervention studies include baseline screening for distress and recommend testing the effect of shorter but intensive interventions carried out by trained therapists. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia and juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis
Authors: Pasic Srdjan , Minic Predrag , Dzudovic Slobodan , Minic Aleksandra , Slavkovic Bojana
Published: January 2005

We report on an association of idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia (ICL) and juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis (JLP) in a pediatric‐aged patient. Because of a past medical history of recurrent lung infections and severe chickenpox in infancy, immunologic investigations were done at age 6 years. On several occasions, a CD4+lymphocyte count of <300 cells/mm3 was detected, supporting the diagnosis of ICL. During follow‐up, both medical (interferon‐alpha) and surgical treatments of JLP were only partially efficient. Our patient developed disseminated infection with Mycobacterium avium and died at 10 years of age. Human papillomavirus is an important pathogen in pediatric and adult patients with ICL. In pediatric patients with JLP who develop other unusually severe viral or opportunistic infections, immunological investigations should be considered. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:281–283. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Timing and nature of wheezing at the endpoint of a bronchial challenge in preschool children
Authors: Godfrey Simon , Cohen Shlomo , Avital Avraham , Springer Chaim
Published: January 2005

Bronchial reactivity to inhaled agents in preschool children can be undertaken by auscultating the lungs to detect wheezing, but there is a lack of information on when wheeze first appears at the endpoint of the challenge and on the acoustic characteristics of the wheeze. We recorded breath sounds continuously during tidal breathing inhalation challenges with adenosine 5′‐monophosphate, using sensors attached over each upper lobe in 80 preschool children. In 35 children, the challenge was considered positive by a pediatrician who determined the endpoint by detecting wheeze on auscultation after an inhalation. Using acoustic analysis, we determined that the first wheeze appeared during the 2‐min period of nebulization in 31% of positive challenges; it was unilateral in 37%, and only inspiratory in 46%. A running window of 6 sec was used to detect at least two wheezes without reference to phase of breathing, and this index had a sensitivity of 97.6% and specificity of 99.7% for determining the endpoint of a challenge. Detecting wheeze acoustically adds safety to the technique by enabling the challenge to be stopped earlier, while the lack of a need to document the phase of breathing simplifies the technique. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:262–267. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and associated symptoms in 3–11‐year‐old Turkish children
Authors: Sogut Ayhan , Altin Remzi , Uzun Lokman , Ugur Mehmet Birol , Tomac Nazan , Acun Ceyda , Kart Levent , Can Gunay
Published: January 2005

Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in 3–11‐year‐old Turkish children. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Zonguldak, northwestern Turkey. Symptomatic children were identified by using a self‐administered questionnaire and were classified into three groups: nonsnorers, occasional snorers, and habitual snorers. All habitual snoring children were invited to undergo polysomnography (PSG). Nine hundred fifty‐four children (79.5%) were nonsnorers, 205 (17.2%) were occasional snorers, and 39 (3.3%) were habitual snorers. There was no significant relationship between gender and habitual snoring (male, 3.4%; female, 3.1%; P > 0.05; odds ratio (OR), 1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.59–2.14). There was a statistically significant relationship between habitual snoring and allergic rhinitis (OR, 4.23; 95% CI, 2.14–8.35). Four children who snored every night, and who had apnea spells and/or troubled sleep, underwent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy before polysomnographic evaluation because of clinical detoriation. Twenty‐eight of 39 children with habitual snoring participated in PSG evaluation. PSG revealed that 11 children (0.9% of the total population) had OSAS. When 4 operated children were added to these 28 children, we found the minimum prevalence of OSAS to be 1.3% in our study group. There was a significant correlation between OSAS and troubled sleeping (P < 0.001; OR, 4.37; 95% CI, 1.33–14.3). We found the prevalence of habitual snoring to be 3.3% in Turkish children by using self‐administered questionnaires. Allergic rhinitis was significantly correlated with habitual snoring. Minimum estimated prevalence of OSAS was found to be 1.3%. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:251–256. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mycobacterium gastri causing disseminated infection in children of same family
Authors: Velayati Ali Akbar , Boloorsaze Mohammad Reza , Farnia Parissa , Mohammadi Foroozan , Karam Mehrdad Bakshayesh , Soheyla‐Zahirifard  , Masjedi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2005

Two children of the same family were admitted to the pediatric ward with a history of productive cough, nocturnal sweats, and weight loss. On physical examination, lymphadenopathy was seen on both sides of the neck and axillae. The sizes of the lymph nodes varied, and some showed fistula formation with drainage. A chest x‐ray of the boy revealed diffuse nodular densities, while in the girl, peribronchial thickening in both lower lung zones and hilar adenopathy were detected. Sonography of the abdomen and pelvis in both cases showed multiple para‐aortic adenopathies with hypodense centers. Microscopic examination of sputum, gastric washings, and node biopsy specimens proved positive for acid‐fast bacilli. Systematic identification of acid‐fast bacilli on Lowenstein‐Jensen culture media identified the isolates as Mycobacterium gastri. These appear to be the first cases of pediatric infection and the fourth report of human infection caused by this atypical Mycobacterium. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:284–287. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood transfusion and pulmonary lipid peroxidation in ventilated premature babies
Authors: Collard Keith J. , Godeck Sarah , Holley Janet E.
Published: January 2005

Urinary malondialdehyde (MDA; a biochemical marker of lipid peroxidation) is increased following the receipt of blood transfusions in premature babies. This indicates an increased level of oxidative damage somewhere in the body. The aim of this study was to determine whether the lung may be a site of increased oxidative damage following blood transfusions. This was achieved by examining the relationship between blood transfusion and levels of MDA in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from ventilated premature babies. The study was a retrospective analysis of data obtained from a group of 42 ventilated premature babies of less than 32 weeks' gestation. Twenty‐seven babies received blood transfusions, and 9 received at least one transfusion during the first week of life when daily BAL samples were being taken. Pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (ELF) was sampled by BAL daily during the first week of life and weekly thereafter. MDA was measured by an established high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. There was a significant positive correlation between volume of blood transfusions received and peak and mean ELF MDA levels (r = 0.810, peak; r = 0.740, mean; n = 21). During the first week of life, when daily samples were being taken, the mean ELF MDA level after blood transfusion (1.829 μM; SE, 0.529) was significantly greater than before transfusion (0.928 μM; SE, 0.297) (n = 9). In babies who received 2 transfusions within the first week (n = 5), the MDA level was elevated further following the second transfusion (2.825 μM; SE, 0.346). The results of this study indicate that pulmonary oxidative damage increases after the receipt of blood transfusions. Babies receiving blood transfusions show a greater incidence of pulmonary oxidative stress and poor clinical outcome. This may simply reflect that the sickest babies are those most in need of blood transfusion, and that there is no causal relationship. However, the possibility of a causal relationship between blood transfusions and oxidative damage exists and should be investigated. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 39:257–261. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Candidate nsSNPs that can affect the functions and interactions of cell cycle proteins
Authors: Savas Sevtap , Ahmad M. Farhan , Shariff Mehjabeen , Kim David Y. , Ozcelik Hilmi
Published: January 2005

Nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) alter the encoded amino acid sequence, and are thus likely to affect the function of the proteins, and represent potential disease‐modifiers. There is an enormous number of nsSNPs in the human population, and the major challenge lies in distinguishing the functionally significant and potentially disease‐related ones from the rest. In this study, we analyzed the genetic variations that can alter the functions and the interactions of a group of cell cycle proteins (n = 60) and the proteins interacting with them (n = 26) using computational tools. As a result, we extracted 249 nsSNPs from 77 cell cycle proteins and their interaction partners from public SNP databases. Only 31 (12.4%) of the nsSNPs were validated. The majority (64.5%) of the validated SNPs were rare (minor allele frequencies < 5%). Evolutionary conservation analysis using the SIFT tool suggested that 16.1% of the validated nsSNPs may disrupt the protein function. In addition, 58% of the validated nsSNPs were located in functional protein domains/motifs, which together with the evolutionary conservation analysis enabled us to infer possible biological consequences of the nsSNPs in our set. Our study strongly suggests the presence of naturally occurring genetic variations in the cell cycle proteins that may affect their interactions and functions with possible roles in complex human diseases, such as cancer. Proteins 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolution of a microbial acetyltransferase for modification of glyphosate: a novel tolerance strategy
Authors: Siehl Daniel L , Castle Linda A , Gorton Rebecca , Chen Yong Hong , Bertain Sean , Cho Hyeon‐Je , Keenan Robert , Liu Donglong , Lassner Michael W
Published: January 2005

N‐Acetylation is a modification of glyphosate that could potentially be used in transgenic crops, given a suitable acetyltransferase. Weak enzymatic activity (kcat = 5 min−1, KM = 1 mM) for N‐acetylation of glyphosate was discovered in several strains of Bacillus licheniformis (Weigmann) Chester by screening a microbial collection with a mass spectrometric assay. The parental enzyme conferred no tolerance to glyphosate in any host when expressed as a transgene. Eleven iterations of DNA shuffling resulted in a 7000‐fold improvement in catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM), sufficient for conferring robust tolerance to field rates of glyphosate in transgenic tobacco and maize. In terms of kcat/KM, the native enzyme exhibited weak activity (4–450% of that with glyphosate) with seven of the common amino acids. Evolution of the enzyme towards an improved kcat/KM for glyphosate resulted in increased activity toward aspartate (40‐fold improved kcat), but activity with serine and phosphoserine almost completely vanished. No activity was observed among a broad sampling of nucleotides and antibiotics. Improved catalysis with glyphosate coincided with increased thermal stability. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Why are there not more herbicide‐tolerant crops?
Authors: Devine Malcolm D
Published: January 2005

Herbicide‐tolerant (HT) varieties of corn, soybean, canola (oilseed rape) and cotton have been grown since the mid‐1990s, and have been widely adopted by farmers in several countries. HT genes have been inserted into or selected for in many other species, including almost all major crop species in the world and many minor crops and ornamental species. In some cases this has been done specifically to introduce the HT trait, whereas in others the HT gene has been used as a selectable marker (eg the bar gene, conferring glufosinate‐ammonium tolerance). However, in very few cases have the HT crops generated been commercialized, despite the weed‐control advantages that many such crops would offer. There are several reasons for this, including the high research and development costs associated with developing the new HT crop cultivars, the high cost of obtaining regulatory clearance for the HT crops or products derived from them, international trade issues relating to genetically modified crops, and issues surrounding the expanded herbicide registration for the new use and the potential impact of this on the existing registration status of the herbicide. New HT crops are unlikely to be developed unless they offer a sufficiently large advantage to farmers and a substantial assured market to justify the associated development and regulatory costs. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Permeability‐frequency spectra of Nanoperm alloys at different temperatures
Authors: Qin W. , Xu F. , Wu Y. J. , Gao W. L. , Tang J. C. , Du Y. W. , Zhang Y. F.
Published: January 2005

Permeability‐frequency spectra of Nanoperm alloys were studied by using an impedance analyzer in the temperature range from 80 K to 290 K. It is shown that with decreasing temperature, the initial permeability (μi) decreases and the relaxation frequency (f0) increases, and the temperature dependence of μif0 has a minimum at 140 K. These results indicate that the temperature fall reduces the domain thickness, strengthens the domain wall pinning and enhances the eddy‐current loss in high frequency ranges. Relative to domain thickness and resistivity, the effects of domain wall pinning strength on μi and f0 are dominant. Above 140 K, the effect of resistivity decrease on μif0 is more important, compared with domain thickness, whereas below 140 K, the case is just inverse. The temperature is an important factor affecting the dynamic magnetic properties of Nanoperm alloys. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic translation group for a finite system
Authors: Wal A.
Published: January 2005

A magnetic translation group (MTG) for a finite system, with the Born‐Karman periodic boundary conditions, is introduced and its properties are described. We consider an itinerant electron, hopping to the nearest neighbours in a square lattice. Compatibility conditions for consistency of quantizations of the magnetic field with the periodic conditions impose severe restrictions for admissible distributions of quanta of magnetic flux. These restrictions are expressed in the structure of appropriate MTG, which defines the magnetic Brillouin zone. The energy band structure, analogous to the Landau levels for the free electron case, emerges from irreducible representations of MTG, their degeneracies and appropriate correlations with the crystal structure. An example of finite 4 × 4 crystal in quantized magnetic field is discussed. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quasiparticle interference induced by a momentum‐dependent scattering in an s‐wave superconducting state
Authors: Pisarski P. , Harań G.
Published: January 2005

Fourier transformed maps of the local density of states in disordered superconducting Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ provided important information on the quasiparticle states and their interference in high‐temperature superconductors. Neglecting the momentum‐dependence of the impurity potential it is possible to disentangle the quasiparticle interference effect from the static structure factor of the scatterers. The k‐dependence of the impurity potential makes such a distinction difficult. Here, for the model momentum‐dependent potential, we discuss the quasiparticle interference induced by an impurity in an s‐wave superconductor. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Linear extension of the Robinson–Schensted algorithm
Authors: Jakubczyk P. , Lulek B.
Published: January 2005

The Robinson–Schensted (RS) algorithm demonstrates a bijection between the set of magnetic configurations f and the set of pairs of tableaux: a semistandard Weyl tableau P(f) accompanied by a standard Young tableau Q(f). We show that it is not only a bijection between sets, but it can be extended to a linear unitary transformation within the space of all quantum states of the magnet. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic band structure of the CeNi4Ga compound
Authors: Kowalczyk A. , Pugaczowa‐Michalska M. , Toliński T.
Published: January 2005

New results of the electronic properties of the CeNi4Ga compound are reported. The magnetic susceptibility, X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy and theoretical calculations suggest that this compound exhibits features typical of paramagnetic state and mixed‐valence behavior. The electronic structure of the ternary CeNi4Ga compound, crystallizing in the hexagonal CaCu5 structure is studied by ab‐initio calculations. Below the Fermi energy the total density of states contains mainly the d‐states of Ni atoms. The narrow peak of the f‐states of Ce atoms is found above the Fermi level. The density of states is N(EF) = 7.33 states/(eV f.u.) at the Fermi level. The electronic specific heat coefficient γ estimated from the band calculations is about 28.7 mJ/mol K2. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
‘π‐state’ induced by impurities with a repulsive interaction
Authors: Litak Grzegorz , Krawiec Mariusz
Published: January 2005

We study the properties of a quantum impurity embedded in a superconducting host. The superconductor is described by the negative U Hubbard model while the impurity introduces a repulsive interaction to the system. We discuss the influence of this ‘on‐impurity’ Coulomb repulsion on the local properties (density of states, electron pairing) of the superconductor. We show the condition of π‐like behaviour, defined as two subsystems having a phase difference of π, in the system by using a proper combination of attractive pairing interaction and repulsive one located at impurity site. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vortex structure in the boson–fermion model
Authors: Mierzejewski Marcin , Śledź Żaneta
Published: January 2005

It has recently been observed in high‐temperature superconductors (HTSC) that the vortex charge strongly depends on doping. The sign of the charge is negative (positive) for overdoped (underdoped) compounds and its value is much larger than estimated from the BCS theory. We show that these results can be explained within the boson–fermion model. We demonstrate that the effective vortex charge is determined predominantly by concentration of the tightly bound electron pairs and sign of the vortex charge depends on the position of the bosonic level with respect to the Fermi energy. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Competition of d‐wave superconductivity and antiferromagnetism in the extended Hubbard model. Superfluid properties
Authors: Tobijaszewska B. , Micnas R.
Published: January 2005

We analyze a competition between d‐wave superconductivity (SC) and antiferromagnetism (AF) and show the influence of these phenomena on the superfluid stiffness. We deal with the extended Hubbard model on a 2D square lattice with the nn and nnn hopping (t–t′–U–W model) in the BCS‐Hartree–Fock approximation. Thermodynamic analysis shows that both, second or first order phase transition between the AF, SC and mixed AF + SC phases are possible. The homogeneous mixed phase or phase separation can be stabilized depending on interaction parameters, band structure and band filling. The corresponding temperature phase diagrams are determined. In the coexistence region we investigate the influence of the antiferromagnetism on the superfluid properties. In the mixed AF + SC ground state the superfluid density is reduced with growing antiferromagnetic ordering and vanishes at half–filling. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic structure and photoemission studies of TbNi4B
Authors: Toliński T. , Pugaczowa‐Michalska M. , Chełkowska G.
Published: January 2005

The electronic structure of the TbNi4B compound has been studied by the X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy and ab‐initio calculations. The experimental valence band spectrum as well as the calculated density of states exhibit the domination of the Ni(3d) states close to the Fermi level. The Tb(4f) peaks are well localized. The peaks' positions are in a good agreement with the binding energies of the metallic terbium and nickel. Our calculations show that the TbNi4B compound is ferromagnetically ordered. The contributions of Tb and B to the densities of states at the Fermi level are very small. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Experimental evidence for magnetic resonance in the antiferro‐quadrupole phase
Authors: Demishev S. V. , Semeno A. V. , Paderno Yu. B. , Shitsevalova N. Yu. , Sluchanko N. E.
Published: January 2005

For strongly correlated electronic systems in addition to magnetically ordered phases based on the interaction between magnetic dipoles magnetic ordering originating from the quadrupolar magnetic interactions is possible. Up to now any information about magnetic resonances specific to quadrupolar ordering is missing. Here we report experimental evidence of the magnetic resonance in the antiferro‐quadrupole phase of CeB6. The temperature dependence of resonance parameters allows concluding about the essential role of the quadrupole ordering in the observed phenomenon. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An inference method for temperature step‐stress accelerated life testing
Authors: Gouno Evans
Published: January 2005

This paper deals with step‐stress accelerated life testing. It presents a practical method to analyse temperature step‐stress accelerated life test data. The Arrhenius model is considered. Activation energy and failure rate under operational conditions are estimated both graphically and using maximum likelihood. Applications on simulated data and on real data are presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the Hubbard model parameters by using the unrestricted Hartree–Fock solutions, and improvement of their energies
Authors: Yamaki Daisuke , Yasuda Koji , Yamaguchi Kizashi
Published: January 2005

A strategy is proposed to determine parameters in model Hamiltonians from the difference of the density matrices calculated by ab initio methods. As an example, the parameters of the two‐site Hubbard model are determined. The parameters t and U are explicitly expressed in terms of the energy difference and the difference of the expectation values of the spin operator 〈S2〉 between two unrestricted Hartree–Fock (UHF) solutions. By using this relation and the exact energy formulas of the model Hamiltonian the energies of the ground and excited states of the ab initio Hamiltonian are estimated. This energy estimation scheme is applied to H2 and Li2 molecules and the results are in reasonable agreement with those of the full configuration‐interaction method. The errors of our estimation are also discussed and evaluated by using a modified Hubbard model. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
The H and H2 interaction with Pd3Cu, Pd4, and Cu4 fcc (111) clusters: A DFT comparative study
Authors: Bertin V. , Cruz A. , Del Angel G. , Castro M. , Poulain E.
Published: January 2005

A comparative study of adsorption of H atoms and H2 molecules on Pd3Cu, Cu4, and Pd4 clusters has been performed through density functional calculations, using the hybrid B3LYP exchange‐correlation functional as implemented in the Gaussian98 program. For Pd atoms the relativistic small‐core effective core potential LANL and LANL2DZ basis set was used and for hydrogen a 6‐31G** basis set was used. The main emphasis is set in the reaction behavior of the different clusters with hydrogen atoms and molecules. We find that full geometry optimization does not appreciably change the metal cluster geometry either for certain reaction modes or the H and H2 capture parameters, but increases the number of reactive sites of the metal clusters. Also, we found that there is charge transfer competition between H and Cu atoms, which drastically diminishes H2 adsorption energy, related to the Pd cluster observed value. Edges and threefold sites are the principal hydrogen adsorption sites. Hydrogen has a great mobility over the metal clusters for different minima, especially when Cu is present; many initial pathways end in the same adsorption site. The observed hydrogen adsorption and binding energies are well reproduced by the calculations. Also, the adsorption mechanisms were determined. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
A selective unsaturated hydrocarbon subtraction technique for stable carbon isotopic analysis of atmospheric methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and C2C5 saturated hydrocarbons using continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Komatsu Daisuke D. , Tsunogai Urumu , Yamaguchi Junko , Nakagawa Fumiko
Published: January 2005

Using continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry, we have developed a new analytical system which enables us to determine the stable carbon isotopic composition of CH3Cl, CH3Br, and C2C5 saturated hydrocarbons in gas samples even if they contain substantial amounts of unsaturated hydrocarbons, using an I2O5 reagent for their selective subtraction. The analytical precision of the δ13C determinations is better than 0.5‰ for >300 pmolC injections and better than 5‰ for 20 pmolC injections. Using the system, δ13C values for CH3Cl and CH3Br were found in burning exhaust that contain a substantial quantity of unsaturated hydrocarbons. CH3Cl and CH3Br measured in exhaust from burning rice plants exhibit highly 13C‐depleted values of −56.6 ± 1.3‰ and −48.6 ± 3.9‰, respectively, while saturated hydrocarbons exhibit δ13C values (−26.4 to −28.9‰) that are comparable with the total δ13C value of the parent material (rice plant; −28.0 ‰). Using the system, we can determine the δ13C values of methyl halides and hydrocarbons in many kinds of gas samples. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.