bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of uteroglobin in normal and carcinogenic endometrium and influence of hormone replacement therapy
Authors: Tanaka Ryoichi , Saito Tsuyoshi , Shijubo Noriharu , Takehara Masaki , Yamada Gen , Kawabata Isao , Itoh Yoshihisa , Kudo Ryuichi
Published: January 2004

Uteroglobin, first reported in 1968 as a steroid secreted in rabbit uterine fluid during early pregnancy, is a progesterone‐regulated and progesterone‐binding protein. There is evidence that indicates that uteroglobin is inversely correlated to neoplastic growth but its role to endometrial carcinogenesis is not known. Therefore we analyzed the expression of uteroglobin in 13 normal endometrium, 19 hyperplasia and 21 endometrial carcinoma samples and the relation to estrogen receptor‐α (ER‐α) and progesterone receptor (PR) by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. We also analyzed the expression of uteroglobin in 15 menopausal women who received hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The expression of uteroglobin was higher during the secretory phase than in the proliferative phase; however, it was detected in endometrial hyperplasia as weakly as in the proliferative phase and decreased according to the loss of differentiation in endometrial carcinoma. The results were basically in accord with those for PR; however, the expression of uteroglobin was weak, though PR was most detected in endometrial hyperplasia. In menopausal endometrium, the group treated with estrogen plus progesterone exhibited higher expression of uteroglobin than the group treated only with estrogen. The evidence suggests that uteroglobin expression is regulated by progesterone in the normal endometrium but that the regulation by PR is lost in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma according to acquirement of tumorigenesis and that estrogen plus progesterone therapy reduces the risk for endometrial carcinoma by restoring uteroglobin. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A kinematic view of loop closure
Authors: Coutsias Evangelos A. , Seok Chaok , Jacobson Matthew P. , Dill Ken A.
Published: January 2004

We consider the problem of loop closure, i.e., of finding the ensemble of possible backbone structures of a chain segment of a protein molecule that is geometrically consistent with preceding and following parts of the chain whose structures are given. We reduce this problem of determining the loop conformations of six torsions to finding the real roots of a 16th degree polynomial in one variable, based on the robotics literature on the kinematics of the equivalent rotator linkage in the most general case of oblique rotators. We provide a simple intuitive view and derivation of the polynomial for the case in which each of the three pair of torsional axes has a common point. Our method generalizes previous work on analytical loop closure in that the torsion angles need not be consecutive, and any rigid intervening segments are allowed between the free torsions. Our approach also allows for a small degree of flexibility in the bond angles and the peptide torsion angles; this substantially enlarges the space of solvable configurations as is demonstrated by an application of the method to the modeling of cyclic pentapeptides. We give further applications to two important problems. First, we show that this analytical loop closure algorithm can be efficiently combined with an existing loop‐construction algorithm to sample loops longer than three residues. Second, we show that Monte Carlo minimization is made severalfold more efficient by employing the local moves generated by the loop closure algorithm, when applied to the global minimization of an eight‐residue loop. Our loop closure algorithm is freely available at http://dillgroup. ucsf.edu/loop_closure/. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 510–528, 2004
Implementing a community intervention to reduce young people's risks for getting HIV: Unraveling the complexities
Authors: Visser Maretha J. , Schoeman Johan B.
Published: February 2004

The ineffectiveness of community‐based interventions can often be traced to problems that occur during implementation. In this study, we outline the implementation of a human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevention program in an educational setting in South Africa. An action research approach was used in the implementation of the intervention and a process and outcome evaluation, integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods, was made. The research illustrated the various levels of interaction in the community and the complexity of the processes involved in the implementation of interventions to facilitate community change. Social ecological theory, systems theory, and the social constructional approach are used to clarify the complexities of the implementation of community interventions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 145–165, 2004.
Extracellular chitinase production by Trichoderma harzianum in submerged fermentation
Authors: Sandhya C. , Adapa Leela Krishna , Nampoothiri K. Madhavan , Binod P. , Szakacs George , Pandey Ashok
Published: February 2004

Extra‐cellular chitinase production by a chitinolytic fungus Trichoderma harzianum TUBF 966 using submerged fermentation was studied. Colloidal chitin (1.5% w/v) was used as sole carbon source. Maximum chitinase production (14.7 U/ml) was obtained when fermentation was carried out at 30 °C for 96 h using 72 h old mycelium in a medium containing colloidal chitin 1.5% (w/v) as carbon source and 0.42 (% w/v) peptone as nitrogen source (pH 5.5). Supplementation of additional carbon sources (0.75% w/v) showed no further enhancement in chitinase production while supplementation of nitrogen sources (0.42% w/v) such as peptone and tryptone in the fermentation medium showed a marked increase in production. The process parameters that controlled chitinase production by the fungus were studied and presented here.
Differential effects of organic modifiers on the enantioseparation of dimetindene maleate with carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Van Eeckhaut Ann , Detaevernier Marc Robert , Crommen Jacques , Michotte Yvette
Published: January 2004

Methanol enhances the enantioresolution of dimetindene enantiomers with carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (CMCD) as chiral selector at a concentration below its optimal value. The same effect was observed with ethanol (EtOH), although less pronounced. On the other hand, the addition of isopropanol (IP) or acetonitrile (ACN) decreases the enantioseparation. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these observed effects, other neutral (β‐CD, hydroxypropyl‐β‐CD, and trimethyl‐β‐CD) as well as chargeable (carboxyethyl‐β‐CD and succinyl‐β‐CD) CD derivatives were also tested with MeOH as organic modifier. It can be concluded that the increased enantioresolution of dimetindene enantiomers was only noted with CMCD as chiral selector and a short‐chain organic modifier containing an alcohol function. The slight deprotonation of CMCD at pH 3.0 was only partly responsible for the high enantioselectivity and the ‘favourable’ effect of MeOH or EtOH. An important feature that can be concluded from these results is that for this particular analyte approximately the same resolution can be obtained with a lower CMCD concentration and the addition of some MeOH, compared to a MeOH free buffer.
Development of a Capillary Zone Electrophoretic method to determine six antidepressants in their pharmaceutical preparations. Experimental design for evaluating the ruggedness of method
Authors: Rodríguez Flores Juana , Berzas Nevado Juan J. , Contento Salcedo Ana M. , Cabello Díaz Maria P.
Published: January 2004

A capillary zone electrophoresis method is proposed for the separation of six of the antidepressants most used for the treatment of mental illness (clomipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, citalopram, fluvoxamine, and trazodone). Optimum conditions for their separation were investigated. A background electrolyte solution consisting of 50 mM phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 2.0, hydrodynamic injection, and 25 kV as separation voltage were used. Relative standard deviations (RSD) were <0.38% and <2.93% for migration time and corrected peak area (n = 24), respectively. Detection limits obtained for the six antidepressants ranged from 0.03 to 0.11 mg L–1. Stability of the solutions, linear concentration range, accuracy, and precision were examined during validation of the method. A ruggedness test of this method was performed using the fractional factorial model of Plackett‐Burman, requiring in our case design of a matrix of 15 experiments, in which the influence of seven factors at three different levels was tested on different electrophoretic results: efficiency; resolution; and corrected peak area. Statistical evaluation of electrophoretic results was achieved by Youden and Steiner's method. The described method is rapid, sensitive, and rugged and it was tested for the pharmaceutical formulation analysis, giving recoveries between 95.6 and 99.1% with respect to the nominal content
Simultaneous determination of tretinoin and clindamycin phosphate and their degradation products in topical formulations by reverse phase HPLC
Authors: Ye Yuerong Rose , Bektic Edin , Buchta Richard , Houlden Robert , Hunt Barry
Published: January 2004

A new HPLC method based on reverse phase separation and photodiode‐array detection has been developed for the simultaneous determination of tretinoin and clindamycin phosphate, and their degradation products in topical formulations. The method has been shown to be stability indicating, accurate, and precise for two different formulation vehicles. Separation was achieved on a reverse phase C18 column (Lichrospher, RP18, 5 μm, 25 cm×4.6 mm ID, Phenomenex, USA) using a simple gradient with aqueous‐acetonitrile and aqueous‐methanol mobile phases. The method recovery averaged 100.3% for tretinoin and 99.6% for clindamycin phosphate at a concentration range between 80% and 120% of the label claim. The method can be applied to assess the stability of tretinoin and clindamycin phosphate in pharmaceutical formulations containing tretinoin and clindamycin phosphate individually or in combination as active drugs.
Elution and preliminary structure‐retention modeling of polar and ionic substances in supercritical fluid chromatography using volatile ammonium salts as mobile phase additives
Authors: Pinkston J. David , Stanton David T. , Wen Dong
Published: January 2004

Supercritical fluid chromatography has primarily been applied to relatively nonpolar analytes, even when polar organic solvents are used as modifiers. Here, we show that low levels of volatile ammonium salts as mobile‐phase additives allow the elution of polar and even ionic organic materials such as sulfonate salts, carboxylate salts, polyamines, and quaternary ammonium salts. Also, volatile ammonium salts are compatible with mass spectrometric detection, in contrast to other common additives. We have performed preliminary structure‐activity‐relationship modeling for retention in the CO2/methanol/NH4OAc/Deltabond Cyano system. We have developed a three‐descriptor model, where one descriptor, the “relative negative charged surface” explains over 61% of the variance in the retention values. We suggest that two mechanisms have the greatest influence on retention in this system. One is related to the presence of a volatile ammonium salt, the other is related to the ability of a molecule to “hide” its atom with the greatest partial negative charge.
Elektrochemische Korrosionsuntersuchungen an der Magnesiumlegierung AZ91: Beschreibung kritischer Parameter und deren Einfluss auf die Angriffsmechanismen auf NRC‐Proben
Authors: Lips K. , Schmutz P. , Heer M. , Uggowitzer P. J. , Virtanen S.
Published: January 2004

Aufgrund des zunehmenden Einsatzes von Magnesiumlegierungen als Strukturwerkstoff in Leichtbauanwendungen erlangen deren Korrosionseigenschaften erhöhte Beachtung. In dieser Arbeit werden wichtige Parameter, die zur Korrosion der Magnesiumlegierungen führen, untersucht und diskutiert. Es wird gezeigt, dass der pH‐Wert in einer Lösung bis zu Werten über 11 ansteigt, die in Kontakt mit Magnesium oder AZ91 steht. Die Lösungsmenge und der Oberflächenzustand des Metalles spielen dabei im Gegensatz zum Chloridgehalt eine wichtige Rolle. Elektrochemische Messungen machen klar, dass sich erst bei einem pH‐Wert von 12 eine stabile Oberflächenschicht bildet. Aggressive Chloridionen können diese Hydroxidschicht lokal zerstören, woraufhin eine Repassivierung stattfinden kann. Bei pH 11 fehlt dem Oberflächenfilm die Stabilität und es kommt zur lokalen Auflösung, so dass die Chloridionen eine geringe Rolle in der Initiierung der Korrosion spielen. Um eine höhere Stabilität zu erreichen, können Inhibitoren eingesetzt werden. Chromat wird in die Hydroxidschicht eingebaut und verleiht ihr so die nötige Stabilität bei pH 11. NRC‐Bauteile (New Rheocasting) zeichnen sich aus durch ausgezeichnete mechanische Eigenschaften, doch kommt es wegen der speziellen Phasenverteilung vermehrt zu einer galvanischen Kopplung, weswegen sich die Korrosionsanfälligkeit erhöht. Langsam abgekühlte AZ91 Proben unterscheiden sich im Gefüge von den NRC‐Proben und zeigen auch ein anderes Verhalten in der Initiierungsphase der Korrosion.
A generalization of a conservativity theorem for classical versus intuitionistic arithmetic
Authors: Berardi Stefano
Published: January 2004

A basic result in intuitionism is Π02‐conservativity. Take any proof p in classical arithmetic of some Π02‐statement (some arithmetical statement ∀x.∃y.P(x, y), with P decidable). Then we may effectively turn p in some intuitionistic proof of the same statement. In a previous paper [1], we generalized this result: any classical proof p of an arithmetical statement ∀x.∃y.P(x, y), with P of degree k, may be effectively turned into some proof of the same statement, using Excluded Middle only over degree k formulas. When k = 0, we get the original conservativity result as particular case. This result was a by‐product of a semantical construction. J. Avigad of Carnegie Mellon University, found a short, direct syntactical derivation of the same result, using H. Friedman's A‐translation. His proof is included here with his permission. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Minima of initial segments of infinite sequences of reals
Authors: Hirst Jeffry L.
Published: January 2004

Suppose that 〈xk〉k∈ℕ is a countable sequence of real numbers. Working in the usual subsystems for reverse mathematics, RCA0 suffices to prove the existence of a sequence of reals 〈uk〉k∈ℕ such that for each k, uk is the minimum of {x0, x1, …, xk}. However, if we wish to prove the existence of a sequence of integer indices of minima of initial segments of 〈xk〉k∈ℕ, the stronger subsystem WKL0 is required. Following the presentation of these reverse mathematics results, we will derive computability theoretic corollaries and use them to illustrate a distinction between computable analysis and constructive analysis. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The cumulative hierarchy and the constructible universe of ZFA
Authors: Viale Matteo
Published: January 2004

We present two results which shed some more light on the deep connection between ZFA and the standard ZF set theory: First of all we refine a result of Forti and Honsell (see [5]) in order to prove that the universe of ZFA can also be obtained (without appealing to choice) as the least fixed point of a continuous operator and not only as the greatest fixed point of the powerset operator. Next we show that it is possible to define a new absolute Gödel operation in addition to the standard ones in order to obtain the “constructible” model of ZFA as the least fixed point of the continuous operator of Gödel closure with respect to the standard and the new Gödel operations. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Corrigendum to “Kripke‐style semantics for many‐valued logics”
Authors: Montagna Franco , Sacchetti Lorenzo
Published: January 2004

This note contains a correct proof of the fact that the set of all first‐order formulas which are valid in all predicate Kripke frames for Hájek's many‐valued logic BL is not arithmetical. The result was claimed in [5], but the proof given there was incorrect. (© 2003 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relationship between the distortion of polyene chains from planarity and the Raman activity of the in‐phase CH out‐of‐plane wag
Authors: Fujimori Kazuki , Sakamoto Akira , Tasumi Mitsuo
Published: January 2004

The relationship between the distortion of polyene chains from planarity and the Raman activity of the in‐phase CH out‐of‐plane wag is examined by performing density functional theory calculations. The vibrational wavenumbers, vibrational modes, Raman activities and infrared absorption intensities of several oligoene (or polyene) molecules are calculated for model structures having various kinds of distortion around the CC double and/or single bond(s). The results of calculations show that the molecular distortion induces the Raman activity of the in‐phase CH out‐of‐plane wag which should be Raman‐inactive for the planar structure. The Raman activity of the in‐phase CH out‐of‐plane wag is particularly enhanced when the molecule is uniformly helical. The origin of a weak Raman band at about 1010 cm−1 of trans‐polyacetylene is discussed on the basis of the calculated results.
Characterization of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites for industrial applications
Authors: Korakianiti Athina , Papaefthimiou Vasiliki , Daflou Theofania , Kennou Stella , Gregoriou Vasilis G.
Published: January 2004

This study aims in the examination of a new class of materials named polymer layered silicate nanocomposites. In our case, composites are usually combinations of polypropylene matrix with solid mineral reinforcements named silicates (e,g. montmorillonite, a natural clay). In this study, two complementary techniques used to characterize nanocomposites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) both in transmission and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) modes combined with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Deformation behavior of triblock copolymers based on polystyrene: an FT‐IR spectroscopy study
Authors: van Asselen O.L.J. , van Casteren I.A. , Goossens J.G.P. , Meijer H.E.H.
Published: January 2004

The effect of the long range order and thermal treatment on the micromechanical deformation of two triblock copolymers was investigated, i.e. polystyrene‐b‐polybutadiene‐b‐polycaprolactone (SBC) triblock copolymer with PS as the matrix and PCL cylindrical domains and a SBS triblock copolymers with 75 wt% of styrene. FTIR spectroscopy revealed information about the molecular orientation upon deformation of the separate components in the triblock copolymers. Films of SBC possess a higher ductility when the semi‐crystalline PCL cylindrical microdomains are quenched. In this case, the deformation proceeds via cavitation of the PCL domains and subsequent shear yielding. Long range order of the cylinders leads to embrittlement since crazes formation and crack propagation can proceed along the cylindrical axis. For the SBS triblock copolymers, a morphological transition from lamellar to short rod cylindrical microdomains was obtained by changing the casting solvent from toluene to MEK, while macroscopic orientation could be achieved by compression molding in a channel die. The toluene cast films were ductile and deformed in a homogeneous way. The MEK cast films behaved brittle as a result of crazing. Loading parallel to the lamellae results in yielding by propagation of a stable macroscopic neck.
A spectroscopic ellipsometry study of PET membranes from IR to Vis‐FUV
Authors: Laskarakis A. , Gioti M. , Pavlopoulou E. , Poulakis N. , Logothetidis S.
Published: January 2004

A detailed study of Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE) spectra of uniaxially stressed, 12μm thick poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) membranes were realized in both IR (900‐3500 cm−1) and Vis‐FUV (1.5 to 6.5 eV) spectral regions and in various orientation angles ∅︁ between the plane of incidence and the machine direction (MD) of the PET membranes. In the IR spectra, the three main modes of the ester group at ∼1126, 1256 and 1721 cm−1 are observed. The first two of these peaks show identical polarization dependence, with preferential orientation ∅︁≈0° (i.e. the plane of reflection parallel to the MD), while the peak at ∼1721 cm−1 is excited in the perpendicular direction, ∅︁≈90°. In the Vis‐FUV SE spectra, the dependence of the characteristic electronic absorption bands on the orientation angle ∅︁ is studied. Besides the well known benzene band centered at ∼5 eV, a doublet of less intense peaks appear just above the absorption edge between 4.1 and 4.3 eV with the most striking characteristic that they show polarization selection rules opposing to that of the benzene band. The above characteristics of the electronic Vis‐FUV spectra of PET are discussed in a manner comparative to the corresponding IR spectra. The discussion becomes in the context of determining the molecular orientation of PET using a non‐destructive technique such as SE.
Spectroscopic characterization of micro‐phase separated blends of polystyrene/polymethyl methacrylate (PS/PMMA)
Authors: Korakianiti Athina , Walsh Siobhan , Gregoriou Vasilis G.
Published: January 2004

An investigation of the miscibility behaviour in polystyrene/ polymethyl methacrylate (PS/PMMA) blends of various compositions under different evaporations protocols using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and Raman Spectroscopic techniques took place in the study. Solvent selection and evaporation rates, coupled with variations in the blend composition resulted in completely different miscibility behaviour for these systems. In particular, it was found that blends with low PMMA content result in systems that exhibit PMMA domains of less than 7 microns on average. Finally, depth profiling studies of the PMMA moiety in the PS matrix show that the distribution of the low content phase is highly affected by the solvent selection as well as the blend composition.
Spectroscopic linear dichroism FT‐IR studies of synthetic spider silk
Authors: Koc Y. , Hammond P.T. , Lendl B. , Gregoriou V.G.
Published: January 2004

This work deals with the analysis of the orientation behavior of different segments of synthetic spider silk samples containing hard and soft segments. Two different types of spider silk were examined, one with an aliphatic hard segment (hexamethylene‐diisocyanate) and an amorphous soft segment (polytetramethylene oxide) (A40) and the other with an aromatic hard segment (4,4′‐methylene bisphenyl diisocyanate) and a semicrystalline soft segment (polyethylene oxide‐polypropylene oxide‐ polyethylene oxide) (A143). In order to observe the orientation behavior of the hard and the soft segments it was necessary to define marker bands. While for both samples the chosen marker bands for the hard segments were the same, the marker bands for the soft segments were different. FT‐IR spectra were recorded while strain was applied to the material at the same time. Two parameters, the dichroic ratio R and the order Parameter f were used to evaluate the behavior of these materials under conditions of strain. It was found that sample A143 broke at a strain level of 37,5 %, while sample A40 showed a high dynamic range up to a strain level of 307 %.
Fluorescence study of peptide and protein containing interpolyelectrolyte complexes
Authors: Mustafaev Mamed
Published: January 2004

Four polyelectrolyte (PE)‐protein and PE‐peptide systems were selected for fluorescence experiments. The mode of binding of proteins to PE and structure of forming polycomplexes depends upon the ratio of components and chemical composition of polymer macromolecules. Complex formation of proteins with oppositely charged polycations is realized by the self‐assembly of non‐stoichiometric polycomplex particles with characteristic composition. These polycomplex particles have a rigid rod‐like carcass structures in which protein molecules are practically exposed to the solvent.

Two types of ternary polyanion‐Cu2+‐protein polycomplex particles are formed depending on the monomer composition of the copolymer. At higher content of hydrophobic N‐isopropylacrylamide monomer unites, the protein globules in the structure of ternary polycomplex particles are densely covered by the shell of a polymer coil and practically “fenced of” from the water environment. At higher content of acrylic acid unites, polycomplex particles have more friable structures in which protein molecules are practically exposed to the solution.

The PE‐peptide conjugate species can be represented rather as a macromolecule of a segmented (block) copolymer in which the hydrophobic blocks, i.e. the sequences of copolymer and peptide unit pairs, which have formed the covalent and salt bonds alternate with hydrophilic ones, i.e. the sequences of the copolymer chain not participating in the formation of double strand blocks.
Relationship between the coil‐globule transition of an aqueous poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) solution and structural changes in local conformations of the polymer
Authors: Katsumoto Yukiteru , Tanaka Takeyuki , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: January 2004

Structural changes in the local conformation of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPA) during the thermally and solvent‐induced coil‐globule transitions in an aqueous solution were studied by using attenuated total reflection / infrared (ATR/IR) spectroscopy combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculation. DFT calculation makes it possible to connect the spectral changes observed during the transitions with the structural changes of the local conformation of polymer chains. The results suggest that some of the intramolecular C=O···H‐N hydrogen bonds of amide groups are broken, and the changes in local conformations occur during the coil‐globule transitions of PNiPA. In this paper, an overview of our recent studies on the coil‐globule transitions of PNiPA is given for introducing a new idea that may explain the stimulus sensitivities of PNiPA in solutions; the solubility of segments concerning with the local conformation of repeating monomer units is changed by an external perturbation, and then the polymer system shows the coil‐globule transition.
Quantitative analysis throughout pregnancy of placentomal and interplacentomal expression of pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins‐1 and ‐9 in the cow
Authors: Patel Osman V. , Yamada Osamu , Kizaki Keiichiro , Takahashi Toru , Imai Kei , Hashizume Kazuyoshi
Published: January 2004

The multigenic pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins (PAG) exhibit spatially and temporally distinct pattern across gestation in the bovine. The majority of the bovine bPAG are localized to the binucleate cells (BNC) while some are expressed throughout the trophectoderm. Bovine (b)PAG‐1 and ‐9 are both localized to the BNC but are differentially transcribed. In addition, the anatomical location of BNC does influence protein expression in the ungulates. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to compare and contrast bPAG‐1 and ‐9 transcriptions in the placentomal (cotyledonary, caruncular) and interplacentomal (intercotyledonary, intercaruncular) tissues throughout pregnancy in the bovine using real‐time reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) and by in‐situ hybridization. The levels of bPAG‐9 transcription in the fetal membrane at peri‐implantation were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than bPAG‐1. The expression of bPAG‐9 in the placentomal and interplacentomal tissues were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than bPAG‐1 during the first trimester of gestation. The transcription of bPAG‐1 in the placentomal and interplacentomal tissues were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than bPAG‐9 from mid‐gestation to peripartum. The expression of bPAG‐1 and ‐9 throughout gestation were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by the anatomical location of BNC. In situ analysis paralleled the expression patterns of bPAG‐1 and ‐9 across gestation. These findings indicate that bPAG‐9 expression in the placentomal and interplacentomal tissues predominates in the first trimester of gestation while bPAG‐1 transcription was primarily higher in the last two trimesters of gestation. The cellular location had significant effect on bPAG‐1 and ‐9 transcription. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 257–263, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ovarian cysteine proteinases in the teleost Fundulus heteroclitus: Molecular cloning and gene expression during vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation
Authors: Fabra Mercedes , Cerdà Joan
Published: January 2004

The cysteine proteinases cathepsins B and L are members of the multigene family of lysosomal proteases that have been implicated in the processing of yolk proteins (YPs) in teleost oocytes. However, the full identification of the type of cathepsins expressed in fish ovarian follicles and embryos, as well as their regulatory mechanisms and specific function(s), are not yet elucidated. In this study, cDNAs encoding cathepsins B, L, F, K, S, Z, C, and H have been isolated from the teleost Fundulus heteroclitus, and the analysis of their deduced amino acid sequences revealed highly similar structural features to vertebrate orthologs, and confirmed in this species the existence of cathepsin L‐like, cathepsin B‐like, and cathepsin F‐like subfamilies of cysteine proteinases. While all identified cathepsins were expressed in ovarian follicles, the corresponding mRNAs showed different temporal expression patterns. Thus, similar mRNA levels of cathepsins L, F, S, B, C, and Z were found throughout the oocyte growth or vitellogenesis period, whereas those for cathepsin H and K appeared to decrease as vitellogenesis advanced. During oocyte maturation, a transient accumulation of cathepsins L, S, H, and F mRNAs, approximately a 3‐, 1.5‐, 1.6‐, and 6‐fold increase, respectively, was detected in ovarian follicles within the 20–25 hr after hormone stimulation, coincident with the maximum proteolysis of the oocyte major YPs. The specific temporal pattern of expression of these genes may indicate a potential role of cathepsin L‐like and cathepsin F proteases in the YP processing events occurring during fish oocyte maturation and/or early embryogenesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 282–294, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dominant expression of porcine Calbindin‐D9k in the uterus during a luteal phase
Authors: Yun So‐Mi , Choi Kyung‐Chul , Kim Ill‐Hwa , An Beum‐Soo , Lee Geun‐Shik , Hong Eui‐Ju , Oh Goo‐Taeg , Jeung Eui‐Bae
Published: January 2004

Calbindin‐D9k (CaBP‐9k) is a member of intracellular calcium binding proteins, which have a high affinity to calcium. CaBP‐9k is mainly expressed in the mammalian intestine, uterus and placenta, and is regulated in tissue‐ and species‐specific manners. Previous studies have shown that CaBP‐9k expression is mainly controlled by steroid hormones and their receptors. Thus, we further investigated the expression and regulation of CaBP‐9k during an estrus cycle in the pig uterus by Northern blot and immunoblot analysis in this study. In addition, serum levels of estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) were measured using ELISA. The CaBP‐9k mRNA is highly expressed in the porcine uterus during a luteal phase compared to a follicular phase, and its mRNA level in a luteal phase is increased up to 10‐fold compared to a follicular phase. In parallel to the level of CaBP‐9k mRNA, the CaBP‐9k protein is also dominantly expressed in the porcine uterus, and strongly expressed in the epithelium and glands of the porcine uterus during a luteal phase. Although, the localization of the CaBP‐9k protein is scarcely detected at follicular phase, it is dominantly expressed in the porcine uterus during a luteal phase. In addition, the serum P4 level was significantly increased during a luteal phase compared to a follicular phase, whereas no difference was observed in E2 levels between follicular and luteal phases, indicating that the ratio of P4/E2 is remarkably increased in porcine uterus during a luteal phase compared to a follicular phase. In conclusion, these results suggest that P4 may play an important role in the up‐regulation of CaBP‐9k gene in the porcine uterus in a luteal phase, which is unlike the condition in the rat uterus. In addition, the porcine CaBP‐9k may be dominantly expressed in the epithelium and glandular structure of pig uterus during a luteal phase. It may also be differentially regulated during this cycle presumably by steroid hormones, especially up‐regulated P4 levels in this tissue. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 251–256, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Centrosomal function assessment in human sperm using heterologous ICSI with rabbit eggs: A new male factor infertility assay
Authors: Terada Yukihiro , Nakamura Sou‐ichi , Simerly Calvin , Hewitson Laura , Murakami Takashi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Okamura Kunihiro , Schatten Gerald
Published: January 2004

Sperm centrosomal function was assessed by immunocytochemical analysis after the injection of human sperm into mature rabbit eggs. Three hours after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), an astral microtubule array from the base of the human sperm was observed in the rabbit eggs. This sperm aster expanded in the egg cytoplasm, concommitant with pronuclear formation, and a dense microtubule array was organized at the time of pronuclear centration. Using fertile donor sperm, the sperm aster formation rate at 3 hr after ICSI was 35.0 ± 1.5%. Using sperm from infertile patients, the average aster formation rate was lower (25.4 ± 14.8%, P < 0.05). Among infertile cases, there was no correlation between sperm aster formation rates and conventional parameters of semen analysis. However, the sperm aster formation rate correlated with the embryonic cleavage rate following human in vitro fertilization (IVF). These data suggest that this assay reflects sperm function during embryonic development after sperm entry and that reproductive success during the first cell cycle requires a functional sperm centrosome. Furthermore, sperm centrosomal function cannot be predicted from conventional parameters of semen analysis. We propose that insufficient centrosomal function could be the cause of certain cases of idiopathic infertility. These assays may lead to the discovery of new types of infertility, which have previously been treated as “unexplained infertility,” and may also lead to the treatment of infertility incurable even by ICSI. Consequently, an accurate and relevant assay to help assure couples of the success of fertilization is warranted, perhaps prior to ICSI therapy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 360–365, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The generalized minimum spanning tree problem: Polyhedral analysis and branch‐and‐cut algorithm
Authors: Feremans Corinne , Labbé Martine , Laporte Gilbert
Published: January 2004

This article presents a branch‐and‐cut algorithm for the Generalized Minimum Spanning Tree Problem (GMSTP). Given an undirected graph whose vertex set is partitioned into clusters, the GMSTP consists of determining a minimum‐cost tree including exactly one vertex per cluster. Applications of the GMSTP are encountered in telecommunications. An integer linear programming formulation is presented and new classes of valid inequalities are developed, several of which are proved to be facet‐defining. A branch‐and‐cut algorithm and a tabu search heuristic are developed. Extensive computational experiments show that instances involving up to 160 or 200 vertices can be solved to optimality, depending on whether edge costs are Euclidean or random. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On some properties of suboptimal colorings of graphs
Authors: Blöchliger Ivo , de Werra D.
Published: January 2004

Starting from the trivial observation that, in any optimal coloring of a graph, there always exists a node v such that its neighborhood N(v) contains all colors, we examine related properties in suboptimal colorings (i.e., those using more than χ(G) colors, where χ(G) is the chromatic number). In particular, we show that, in any (χ(G) + p)‐coloring of G, there is a node v such that its generalized neighborhood Nq(v) with q = max{2p − 1, 2} contains χ(G) colors for p ≥ 1. Additional properties of (χ(G) + p)‐colorings are also given. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A randomized algorithm for gossiping in radio networks
Authors: Chrobak Marek , Ga̧sieniec Leszek , Rytter Wojciech
Published: January 2004

We present anO(nlog4n)‐time randomized algorithm for gossiping in radio networks with unknown topology. This is the first algorithm for gossiping in this model whose running time is only a polylogarithmic factor away from the optimum. The fastest previously known (deterministic) algorithm for this problem works in timeO(n3/2log2n). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of spherical and hemispherical sugar‐containing poly(ornithine) dendrimers
Authors: Baigude Huricha , Katsuraya Kaname , Okuyama Kohsaku , Hatanaka Kenichi , Ikeda Emi , Shibata Naokazu , Uryu Toshiyuki
Published: February 2004

A novel sugar‐containing poly(ornithine) dendrimer is synthesized for possible antigen delivery and related applications. The dendrimer contains an ornithine dendron as interior scaffolding and oligosaccharides on the periphery, which provide an attachment site for a peptide antigen. Maltose or lactose is bound to both hemispherical and spherical poly(ornithine) dendrimer generation 3 (G3) by reductive amination between its reducing end and the peripheral amino group of the dendrimer using a borane‐pyridine complex in a buffer solution at 50 °C. The degree of substitution of sugar is changed by varying the molar ratio of sugar to dendrimer. When the surface of spherical poly(ornithine) dendrimer G3 is modified by binding β‐alanine to the 16 amino groups, highly substituted maltose‐ or lactose‐β‐alanine‐poly(ornithine) dendrimer G3 is obtained in high yield after 7 days of reaction. The structures of these sugar‐containing dendrimers are characterized by NMR and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analyses. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1400–1414, 2004
Synthesis of polyesters by the polyaddition of bis(oxetane)s with active di(ester)s
Authors: Kudo Hiroto , Kurakata Tomohiko , Sasaki Masaki , Nishikubo Tadatomi
Published: February 2004

The polyaddition of bis(oxetane)s 1,4‐bis[(3‐ethyl‐3‐oxetanylmethoxymethyl)]benzene (BEOB), 4,4′‐bis[(3‐ethyl‐3‐oxetanyl)methoxy]benzene (4,4′‐BEOBP), 1,4‐bis[(3‐ethy‐3‐oxetanyl)methoxy] ‐benzene (1,4‐BEOMB), 1,2‐bis[(3‐ethyl‐3‐oxetanyl)methoxy]benzene (1,2‐BEOMB), 4,4‐bis[(3‐ethyl‐3‐oxetanyl)methoxy]biphenyl (4,4′‐BEOMB), 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethyl‐[4,4′‐bis(3‐ethyl‐3‐oxetanyl)methoxy]biphenyl (TM‐BEOBP) with active diesters di‐s‐phenylthioterephthalate (PTTP), di‐s‐phenylthioisoterephthalate (PTIP), 4,4′‐di(p‐nitrophenyl)terephthalate (NPTP), 4,4′‐di(p‐nitrophenyl)isoterephthalate (NPIP) were carried out in the presence of tetraphenylphosphonium chloride (TPPC) as a catalyst in NMP for 24 h, affording corresponding polyesters with Mn's in the range 2200–18,200 in 41–98% yields. The obtained polymers would soluble in common organic solvents and had high thermal stabilities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1528–1536, 2004
Synthesis and properties of photoalignable aromatic polyesters containing phenylenediacrylate units in their backbones and n‐alkyl moieties in their side groups
Authors: Woo Lee Seung , Ree Moonhor
Published: February 2004

A series of poly[oxy(4‐n‐alkyl‐3,5‐benzoate)oxy‐1,4‐phenylenediacryloyl]s (PPDA‐CnBZ polymers) with high molecular weights was synthesized. These polymers exhibit excellent solubility in some common organic solvents and produce good quality films using conventional spin‐casting and drying processes. The polymers are thermally stable up to 357–362 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere; their glass transition temperatures are greater than 121 °C. The photoreactions and photoalignments of the polymers were investigated using ultraviolet‐visible and infrared spectroscopy, and their liquid crystal (LC) alignment properties were examined. The phenylenediacrylate (PDA) chromophores in the polyesters were found to mainly undergo photocyclization upon ultraviolet light irradiation. Irradiation of the polyester films with linearly polarized ultraviolet light (LPUVL) induces preferential orientation of the polymer main chains, while the unreacted PDA chromophores are aligned along the direction perpendicular to the electric vector of the LPUVL. All the films irradiated with LPUVL were found to align LCs in a direction perpendicular to the electric vector of the LPUVL. Moreover, these LC alignments persisted even on irradiated films annealed at temperatures up to 210 °C, which is much higher than the glass transition temperatures of the polyesters. These LC alignment characteristics are due to the anisotropic interactions of the LC molecules with the oriented polymer chains and with the unreacted PDA chromophores. LC alignments on the polyester film surfaces have homeotropic to homogeneous characteristics, depending on the length of the n‐alkyl side group, providing strong evidence that the n‐alkyl side groups of the polyesters play a critical role in determining the pretilt angles of the LCs. The LC pretilt angles were also found to be influenced by the thermal annealing history of the irradiated films. In summary, the excellent properties of the PPDA‐CnBZ polymers make them promising candidate materials for use as LC alignment layers in advanced LC display devices. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1322–1334, 2004
Radical copolymerization of 2‐trifluoromethylacrylic monomers. I. Kinetics of their copolymerization with norbornenes and vinyl ethers as studied by in situ1H NMR analysis
Authors: Ito Hiroshi , Miller Dolores C.
Published: February 2004

Radical copolymerizations of electron‐deficient 2‐trifluoromethylacrylic (TFMA) monomers and electron‐rich norbornene derivatives and vinyl ethers with azobisisobutyronitrile were investigated by analyzing the kinetics in situ with 1H NMR. Although none of the monomers underwent radical homopolymerization under normal conditions, they copolymerized readily, producing a copolymer containing 60–70 mol % TFMA. Terpolymerization involving these monomers was also investigated. The rates of copolymerization and kinetic chain lengths were determined in some cases on the basis of the in situ kinetics analysis. These radial copolymerizations of TFMA provide a basis for the preparation of chemical‐amplification resist polymers for emerging 157‐nm lithography. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1468–1477, 2004
Lectures on the plane‐wave string/gauge theory duality
Authors: Plefka J.C.
Published: January 2004

These lectures give an introduction to the novel duality relating type IIB string theory in a maximally supersymmetric plane‐wave background to 𝒩 = 4, d = 4, U(N) super Yang‐Mills theory in a particular large N and large R‐charge limit due to Berenstein, Maldacena and Nastase. In the first part of these lectures the duality is derived from the AdS/CFT correspondence by taking a Penrose limit of the AdS5 × S5 geometry and studying the corresponding double‐scaling limit on the gauge theory side. The resulting free plane‐wave superstring is then quantized in light‐cone gauge. On the gauge theory side of the correspondence the composite super Yang‐Mills operators dual to string excitations are identified, and it is shown how the string spectrum can be mapped to the planar scaling dimensions of these operators. In the second part of these lectures we study the correspondence at the interacting respectively non‐planar level. On the gauge theory side it is demonstrated that the large N large R‐charge limit in question preserves contributions from Feynman graphs of all genera through the emergence of a new genus counting parameter – in agreement with the string genus expansion for non‐zero gs. Effective quantum mechanical tools to compute higher genus contributions to the scaling dimensions of composite operators are developed and explicitly applied in a genus one computation. We then turn to the interacting string theory side and give an elementary introduction into light‐cone superstring field theory in a plane‐wave background and point out how the genus one prediction from gauge theory can be reproduced. Finally, we summarize the present status of the plane‐wave string/gauge theory duality.
Geography and segmented assimilation: examples from the New York Chinese
Authors: Newbold K. Bruce , Foulkes Matthew
Published: January 2004

Drawing upon the segmented assimilation framework, and using the 1990 5% PUMS file, the paper compares the assimilation of selected Chinese immigrant cohorts, based upon age and period of entry. Including a spatial component within the framework, we examine whether differences in the organisation and assimilation of immigrant groups exist across space. For each cohort, contrasts are made with reference to location in the New York Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA), with the analysis focusing upon differences in spatial assimilation with respect to acculturation, socioeconomic characteristics, internal migration, and immigrant characteristics relative to other immigrant and native‐born groups. The analysis is updated using Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) data files from the 1990s. Results suggest that space, and location in space, alter the assimilation trajectory of similarly defined groups. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualifikationsbedarf Oberflächentechnik: Unternehmen, Universitäten, Fachhochschulen. Need of qualification surface technology: enterprises, universities, universities of applied sciences
Authors: Baron Waldemar
Published: February 2004

Mit stetig wachsenden Ansprüchen an Forschung, Entwicklung und Anwendung hat sich die moderne Oberflächentechnik zu einer interdisziplinären Schlüssel‐ und Querschnittstechnologie entwickelt. Bedarfsgerechte Qualifizierung ist eine wesentliche Voraussetzung, um das Innovationspotenzial dieses Zukunftsfeldes voll auszuschöpfen. Nicht ausreichende Angebote der Aus‐ und Weiterbildung und mangelnde Qualifizierung des betrieblichen Personals können die industrielle Anwendung der Oberflächentechnik behindern. Der Beitrag nennt Qualifikationsanforderungen der Unternehmen im Bereich Oberflächentechnik und macht deutlich, wie sich Universitäten und Fachhochschulen zukunftsorientiert auf den Qualifikationsbedarf einstellen und zur Verbreiterung der technologischen Leistungsfähigkeit beitragen. Als Basis dienen aktuelle Studien, die im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung durchgeführt und vom VDI Technologiezentrum Düsseldorf im Rahmen einer Qualifizierungsinitiative Oberflächentechnik koordiniert worden sind.
Cost‐Utility Analysis for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Wang Pa‐Chun , Chu Chia‐Chen , Liang Shu‐Cheng , Tai Chih‐Jaan
Published: January 2004

OBJECTIVE

To undertake cost‐utility analysis for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in order to analyze the cost‐effectiveness of different chronic sinusitis severity groups.

METHODS

One hundred ninety‐two patients with chronic sinusitis were evaluated with a Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) before and 1‐year after ESS. Direct health care cost data during the first year after operation were retrieved. The utility gain is defined as change in the CSS total score. The cost‐utility ratio was defined as cost per utility gain. Patients are stratified by disease severity using the Harvard Staging System.

RESULTS

The average total direct cost attributable to ESS is NT $40,829 in the first postoperative year and the average cost‐utility ratio is NT $2194.42. The high cost‐utility ratio of NT $3246.45 for pansinusitis cases is due to the higher cost and limited utility gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Treating mild and moderate chronic sinusitis are most cost‐effective because of their favorable utility gain and relatively reasonable cost. However, there is no proportional linear relationship between disease severity and cost‐utility ratio.