bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of mixed‐parallelism on parallel implementations of the Strassen and Winograd matrix multiplication algorithms
Authors: Desprez F. , Suter F.
Published: April 2004

In this paper we study the impact of the simultaneous exploitation of data‐ and task‐parallelism, so called mixed‐parallelism, on the Strassen and Winograd matrix multiplication algorithms. This work takes place in the context of Grid computing and, in particular, in the Client–Agent(s)–Server(s) model, where data can already be distributed on the platform. For each of those algorithms, we propose two mixed‐parallel implementations. The former follows the phases of the original algorithms while the latter has been designed as the result of a list scheduling algorithm. We give a theoretical comparison, in terms of memory usage and execution time, between our algorithms and classical data‐parallel implementations. This analysis is corroborated by experiments. Finally, we give some hints about heterogeneous and recursive versions of our algorithms. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A PC cluster system employing IEEE 1394
Authors: Hyoudou Kazuki , Ozaki Ryota , Nakayama Yasuichi
Published: April 2004

In this paper, we describe the design and evaluation of a PC cluster system in which IEEE 1394 is applied. Networks for parallel cluster computing require low latency and high bandwidth. It is also important that the networks be commercially available at low cost. Few network devices satisfy all of the above requirements. However, the IEEE 1394 standard provides a good compromise for fulfilling these requirements. We have used IEEE 1394 devices, which support a 400 Mbps data transfer rate, to connect the nodes of a PC cluster system which we have designed and implemented. We have implemented two communication libraries. One is a fast communication library called CF for IEEE 1394. The other is a MPI layer library on the CF library. Experimental results show that CF achieves a 17.2 microsecond round‐trip time. On application benchmarks, the system was considerably faster than TCP/IP over Fast Ethernet. Even though the system was constructed at very low cost, it provides good performance. Using the IEEE 1394 standard is thus a good solution for low‐cost cluster systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polynuclear and Extended Coordination Compounds from Preorganized Bimetallic Components: Tuning the Magnetic Properties of Dinickel(II) Building Blocks
Authors: Leibeling Guido , Demeshko Serhiy , Bauer‐Siebenlist Bernhard , Meyer Franc , Pritzkow Hans
Published: April 2004

Various dinucleating pyrazole ligands with chelating side arms in the 3‐ and 5‐positions of the heterocycle have been shown to form NiII/azido complexes, where the metal ions are spanned by the pyrazolate, and an azido bridge. Four new complexes have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography and variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility studies. The Ni···Ni distance, and hence the intra‐dimer coordination mode of the azide (μ‐1,1 or μ‐1,3), is determined by the chelate arm length, such that the magnetic properties of the bimetallic units can be controlled. The intramolecular coupling between the NiII (S = 1) ions was found to be ferromagnetic (J = +4.0 ± 0.5 cm−1) in the case of [L1Ni2(N3)(NO3)2] (1) with a μ‐1,1 azide, but antiferromagnetic (J = −25.7 ± 0.3 cm−1) for [L2Ni2(N3)](ClO4)2 (2) with a μ‐1,3 azide. Such bimetallic units can serve as building blocks for the construction of high‐nuclearity NiII/azide compounds, as demonstrated for the tetranuclear complexes [L12Ni4(μ‐1,1‐N3)2(μ‐1,3‐N3)2](BPh4)2 (3), and [L3Ni2(N3)3]2 (4). Complex 3 was obtained by the replacement of the labile nitrates in 1 by additional azido ligands, that bridge the two [L1Ni2(N3)]2+ subunits in the μ‐1,3 mode. Complex 4 incorporates two additional azides, and two of its azido linkages were found in the rare μ‐1,1,3 binding mode (albeit with relatively long Ni−N bond lengths). The magnetic properties of the tetranuclear species were as predicted from the building blocks and the respective azide binding, with ferromagnetic intra‐dimer and antiferromagnetic inter‐dimer exchanges, yielded an overall S = 0 ground state. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Diorganotin Derivatives of 2,5‐Dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole
Authors: Ma Chunlin , Zhang Junhong , Li Feng , Zhang Rufen
Published: April 2004

Two novel trinuclear tin oxo clusters [(C2S3N2)R6Sn3O(OH)Y]·L [R = CH3, Y = OH, L = 1·5H2O (1); R = PhCH2, Y = OEt, L = 0 (2)], a pentanuclear tin macrocycle [(CH3)2Sn(C2N2S3)]5·CH2Cl2·3H2O (3) and [(PhCH2)4Cl2Sn(C2S3N2)] (4) have been synthesized by the reaction of 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole with dialkyltin dichloride in ethanol (95%) or dichloromethane. Complexes1−4have been characterized by elemental analysis and IR,1H,13C and119Sn NMR spectroscopy. The structures of1−3have been determined by X‐ray crystallography. Complexes1and2display a unique tricyclic structure consisting of fused five‐membered Sn2ON2and four‐membered Sn2O2rings that form a planar N2Sn3O2skeleton, with a distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination at tin. Complex3is a pentanuclear 35‐membered tin macrocycle containing the crown thioether‐type ligand in which all five tin atoms bond to the sulfur and nitrogen atoms with distorted octahedral geometries. The structures of complexes1and3are stabilized by hydrogen bonds or intermolecular non‐bonding S···S interactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Synthesis and Characterization of a Series of Lanthanide Complexes Constructed from Orotic Acid
Authors: Li Xing , Shi Qian , Sun Daofeng , Bi Wenhua , Cao Rong
Published: April 2004

The solution reaction of orotic acid (2,6‐dioxo‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid, H3dtpc) and Ln(NO3)3·6H2O (Ln = La, Ce) or Ln2O3 (Ln = Pr, Nd) yielded five complexes [{Ln(aH2dtpc)2(bH2dtpc)(H2O)4}·H2O]n (Ln = La 1, Ce 3), [La(aH2dtpc)2(cH2dtpc)(H2O)6]·4H2O (2), and [Ln(aH2dtpc)2(OH)(H2O)6]·(H3dtpc)2·7H2O (Ln = Pr 4, Nd 5). Complexes 1 and 3 possess 1D chain structures, 2 is a mononuclear structure, and 4 and 5 are mononuclear complexes that are extended into infinite honeycomb structures through hydrogen bonding interactions. The hydrothermal reaction of orotic acid and Ln2O3 (Ln = La, Nd, Eu, Gd, Er) produced five polymeric complexes [Ln(dHdtpc)(OH)(H2O)]n (Ln = La 6, Nd 7, Eu 8, Gd 9, Er 10), which contain isostructural 3D frameworks with ladder‐like chains formed by LnIII, a µ3‐OH bridge and an orotate spacer. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
On the Electronic Structure of Mesitylnickel Complexes of α‐Diimines — Combining Structural Data, Spectroscopy and Calculations
Authors: Klein Axel , Feth Martin P. , Bertagnolli Helmut , Záliš Stanislav
Published: April 2004

New organometallic nickel complexes of the type [(α‐diimine)Ni(Mes)Br] and [(α‐diimine)Ni(Mes)2] (Mes = mesityl = 2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl) were prepared and characterised spectroscopically in detail. A combination of spectroscopic techniques (XRD, EXAFS, absorption, resonance Raman) and quantum chemical (DFT) calculations reveals the interplay of the diimine ligands and the mesityl or bromine co‐ligands with the nickel centre. The low‐lying electronic transitions are assigned as mixed MLCT/L′LCT or MLCT/XLCT due to low‐lying accepting π*‐orbitals centred on the diimine ligands and mixed metal/co‐ligand MOs as donor levels. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Synthesis and Core and Surface Reactivity of Phosphorus‐Based Dendrons
Authors: Sebastián Rosa‐María , Griffe Laurent , Turrin Cédric‐Olivier , Donnadieu Bruno , Caminade Anne‐Marie , Majoral Jean‐Pierre
Published: April 2004

A series of phosphorus‐containing dendrons is synthesized starting from a unique precursor (EtO)2P(O)CH=CHC6H4PPh2 (3‐G0), whose X‐ray crystal structure shows an extended planarity between both phosphorus. Staudinger reactions with functionalized azides on the phosphino group are the first step for the growth of the dendrons, which is continued using a divergent method. Several types of reactions are performed on dendrons of several sizes, either at the level of the core or of the surface. The specific addition of methyl triflate to P=S and trimethylsilyl triflate to P=O at the level of the core affords a dicationic species. A 13C NMR spectroscopic study indicates to what extent the charges are delocalized. Phosphanes are grafted on the surface of a second‐generation dendron, and used for the complexation of PdCl2. Both compounds possess five different types of phosphorus atoms, which helps in characterizing them by 31P NMR spectroscopy. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Chloride as Supramolecular Glue: Anion‐Directed Assembly of a 2D Network of MnIII Complexes
Authors: Bermejo Manuel R. , Fernández M. Isabel , González‐Noya Ana M. , Maneiro Marcelino , Pedrido Rosa , Rodríguez M. Jesús , Vázquez Miguel
Published: April 2004

The Schiff base H4L [where H4L = N,N′‐bis(3‐hydroxysalicylidene)ethane‐1,2‐diamine], containing six potential donor atoms, is able to induce the formation of a novel [MnIII(H2L)(CH3OH)2]Cl (1) complex, which was characterized by elemental analysis, FAB mass spectrometry, IR, 1H NMR and electronic spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, X‐ray diffraction techniques and conductivity measurements. The study of its redox properties by cyclic and normal pulse voltammetry is also reported. The crystal structure of 1 is formed by monomeric cationic MnIII complexes, where the manganese ion is in an octahedral environment and is coordinated in the equatorial plane to the N2O2 donor set of the inner Schiff‐base compartment. The neutral condition of the complex is achieved with the presence of the chloride counterion, which behaves as a multiple acceptor of hydrogen bonds. The chloride is involved in four O−H···Cl bonds, connecting three neighbouring cationic complexes. To the best of our knowledge, this constitutes the first example of self‐assembly of discrete units of MnIII complexes in a 2D network in the solid state through hydrogen bonding, where the anion is acting as a supramolecular glue. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Presence of disordered eating among Mexican teenage women from a semi‐urban area: its relation to the cultural hypothesis
Authors: Bojorquez Ietza , Unikel Claudia
Published: April 2004

The idea of culture as a risk factor for eating disorders has been supported by the higher frequencies of such disorders in the industrialized countries. In a non‐urban area of the state of Michoacan, Mexico, we found elevated frequencies of dangerous eating behaviours among teenage girls. We used a checklist, previously employed in a survey of Mexico City teenagers, with a sample of 458 girls (mean age = 16.5 yr). We found that 27.9 per cent of them were seriously concerned about weighing too much, 14.3 per cent practised dieting or fasting in order to lose weight and 2.4 per cent binged and vomited. These percentages are higher than those of a sample of Mexico City girls. Nevertheless, we suggest that culture should still be considered a risk factor, and propose that a more precise definition of the term is needed in order to understand its effects upon the presence of disordered eating. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Haplotype sharing correlation analysis using family data: A comparison with family‐based association test in the presence of allelic heterogeneity
Authors: Qian Dajun
Published: April 2004

The haplotype‐sharing correlation (HSC) method for association analysis using family data is revisited by introducing a permutation procedure for estimating region‐wise significance at each marker on a study segment. In simulation studies, the HSC method has a correct type 1 error rate in both unstructured and structured populations. The HSC signals on disease segments occur in the vicinity of a true disease locus on a restricted region without recombination hotspots. However, the peak signal may not pinpoint the true disease location in a small region with dense markers. The HSC method is shown to have higher power than single‐ and multilocus family‐based association test (FBAT) methods when the true disease locus is unobserved among the study markers, and especially under conditions of weak linkage disequilibrium and multiple ancestral disease alleles. These simulation results suggest that the HSC method has the capacity to identify true disease‐associated segments under allelic heterogeneity that go undetected by the FBAT method that compares allelic or haplotypic frequencies. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detecting epistatic interactions contributing to quantitative traits
Authors: Culverhouse Robert , Klein Tsvika , Shannon William
Published: April 2004

The restricted partition method (RPM) is a partitioning algorithm for examining multi‐locus genotypes as (potentially non‐additive) predictors of a quantitative trait. The motivating application was to develop a robust method to examine quantitative phenotypes for epistasis (gene–gene interactions), but the method can be applied without modification to gene–environment interactions. Simulation results indicate that the method provides an efficient way to identify loci contributing epistatically to a quantitative trait, even if the loci have no single locus effects. Statistical significance can be estimated through permutation testing. An example using real data involving the metabolism of a chemotherapy drug is included for illustration. Although the examples in this article involve 2‐locus interactions, the RPM is computationally feasible for the analysis of more than two loci or factors. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating penetrance from family data using a retrospective likelihood when ascertainment depends on genotype and age of onset
Authors: Carayol Jérôme , Bonaïti‐Pellié Catherine
Published: April 2004

In diseases caused by deleterious gene mutations, knowledge of age‐specific cumulative risks is necessary for medical management of mutation carriers. When pedigrees are ascertained through several affected persons, ascertainment bias can be corrected by using a retrospective likelihood. This likelihood is a function of the genotypes of pedigree members given their phenotypes and provides unbiased estimates of penetrance without modeling the selection process, provided that selection is independent of genotypes. However, since mutation testing is offered only to relatives of mutation carriers, the genotypes of family members are available only in mutated families and selection does depend on genotype. In the present study, we quantified the bias due to selection on genotype using simulations. We found that this bias depended on the true penetrance value: the lower the penetrance, the higher the bias (risk by age 80 estimated to be 46% for a true penetrance value of 20%). When age of onset is added to the selection criteria, as usually done, we showed that the bias was even higher. We modified the conditioning in the retrospective likelihood, what we call “genotype restricted likelihood” (GRL). Using simulations, we show that this method provided unbiased parameter estimates under all the selection designs considered. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of the pruritus of cholestasis: From unbearable lightness to substance
Authors: Bergasa Nora V. , Jaeschke Hartmut , Mullen Kevin , Moradpour Darius
Published: April 2004

Abstract

Background & Aims:

To assess the efficacy and safety of naltrexone for the short and long term treatment of pruritus of cholestasis.

Methods:

Twenty patients with pruritus and cholestasis were included. A baseline pruritus score was obtained over 1 week. Patients were then randomized to receive 50 mg/day of naltrexone or placebo for 2 weeks. Subsequently, a 1-week washout period ensued and patients were crossed over to the other therapy for 2 additional weeks. Pruritus was assessed daily with a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. Patients whose pruritus decreased >50% of basal with naltrexone received naltrexone 50 mg/day for 2 additional months.

Results:

Mean basal VAS was similar in both groups. VAS showed greater and more significant changes with naltrexone than with placebo (P < .0003). In nine out of 20 patients (45%) receiving naltrexone, pruritus decreased >50% compared to basal value, including five whose pruritus disappeared completely. No significant changes were observed in serum biochemistry. Most of the adverse events that occurred during the first 48 h of naltrexone therapy were consistent with opioid withdrawal-like phenomena and spontaneously disappeared 2 days after starting treatment.

Conclusions:

Naltrexone can be considered as an alternative option to treat pruritus of cholestasis. In the current study, side effects were transient and did not require specific medication.

Controlled trials have suggested that opiate antagonist therapy may be effective for the treatment of the symptoms of cholestasis. The oral opiate antagonist naltrexone in particular has started to enter into routine clinical use for amelioration of cholestatic itch. Attention regarding the side effects of opiate antagonist therapy has, to date, largely focused on an opiate withdrawal-type reaction (which can be controlled effectively by titrated therapy introduction regimens). Here we describe three cases of a further clinically important side effect: loss of control of pain resulting from other pathologies, which in each case necessitated the withdrawal of hitherto clinically effective opiate antagonist therapy. Of the 14 patients treated by our unit with opiate antagonist agents for the control of cholestatic symptoms, 13 (93%) showed resolution of or significant improvement in symptoms. Of the 13 patients showing a clinical response, seven (54%) subsequently had to discontinue therapy because of side effects (including the three patients with uncontrolled pain). It is our experience that in the routine clinical setting, opiate antagonists are highly effective for the treatment of cholestatic symptoms. In practice, however, their usefulness is limited by their side effect profile.
Topoisomerase inhibitor camptothecin sensitizes mouse hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo to TNF-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Hentze Hannes , Latta Markus , Künstle Gerald , Dhakshinamoorthy Saravanakumar , Ng Poh Yong , Porter Alan G. , Wendel Albrecht
Published: April 2004

Topoisomerases are nuclear enzymes that maintain and modulate DNA structure. Inhibitors of topoisomerases like camptothecin (CPT), etoposide, and others are widely used antitumor drugs that interfere with transcription, induce DNA strand breaks, and trigger apoptosis preferentially in dividing cells. Because transcription inhibitors (actinomycin D, galactosamine, α-amanitin) sensitize primary hepatocytes to the cytotoxic action of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), we reasoned whether topoisomerase inhibitors would act similarly. CPT alone was not toxic to primary cultured murine hepatocytes. When incubated with CPT, murine hepatocytes displayed an inhibition of protein synthesis and were thereby rendered sensitive to apoptosis induction by TNF. Apoptosis was characterized by morphology (condensed/fragmented nuclei, membrane blebbing), caspase-3-like protease activity, fragmentation of nuclear DNA, and late cytolysis. Hepatocytes derived from TNF receptor-1 knockout mice were resistant to CPT/TNF-induced apoptosis. CPT treatment completely abrogated the TNF-induced NF-kappa B activation, and mRNA expression of the antiapoptotic factors TNF-receptor associated factor 2, FLICE-inhibitory protein, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein was also inhibited by CPT. The caspase inhibitors benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (zVAD-fmk) and benzyloxycarbonyl-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OMe)-chloromethylketone (zDEVD-fmk), as well as depletion of intracellular ATP by fructose prevented CPT/TNF-induced apoptosis. In vivo, CPT treatment sensitized mice to TNF-induced liver damage. In conclusion, the combination of topoisomerase inhibition and TNF blocks survival signaling and elicits a type of hepatocyte death similar to actinomycin D/TNF or galactosamine/TNF. During antitumor treatment with topoisomerase inhibitors, an impaired immune function often results in opportunistic infections, a situation where the systemic presence of TNF might be critical for the hepatotoxicity reported in clinical topoisomerase inhibitor studies. (Hepatology 2004;39:1311-1320.)
Caspase induction by IgA antimitochondrial antibody: IgA-mediated biliary injury in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Matsumura Shuji , Van de Water Judy , Leung Patrick , Odin Joseph A. , Yamamoto Kazuhide , Gores Gregory J. , Mostov Keith , Ansari Aftab A. , Coppel Ross L. , Shiratori Yasushi , Gershwin Eric M.
Published: April 2004

Anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) have long been recognized as a serological hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Although high titers of immunoglobulin (Ig)A AMAs are found in bile, saliva, and urine of patients, a pathogenic role for this antibody has remained elusive. Functional studies of this IgA in general have been impeded by low quantities of antibody and the inability to recover antigen-specific IgA in dimeric form. Using a newly defined synthetic group A. Streptococcus derived peptide, we purified large quantities of dimeric and monomeric IgA from patient sera. The purified IgA was incubated with Madine-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells transfected with the human polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR) and the cells studied by flow cytometric analysis for binding of carboxyfluorescein conjugated VAD-fmk peptide to activated caspase enzymes. A total of 87% of PBC patients that were anti-PDC-E2 positive had serum IgA that increased caspase activation in MDCK-pIgR+ cells compared to serum-derived IgA from controls with a maximum reaction 48 hours after addition of IgA. The titer of anti-PDC-E2 IgA among the PBC patients strongly correlated with caspase activation (cc = 0.88). Pre-absorption of the IgA using recombinant 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex significantly diminished this activation. IgG from the same PBC patients did not induce caspase activation. These data suggest that during transcytosis through pIgR-positive cells, exposure to PDC-E2-specific dimeric IgA results in the initiation of caspase activation. In conclusion, we propose that due to an even greater concentration of dimeric IgA in biliary and mucosal secretions, constant transcytosis would render the exposed cells more susceptible to apoptosis resulting in subsequent bile duct damage. (Hepatology 2004;39:1415-1422.)
Pivotal role of superoxide anion and beneficial effect of antioxidant molecules in murine steatohepatitis
Authors: Laurent Alexis , Nicco Carole , Van Nhieu Jeanne Tran , Borderie Didier , Chéreau Christiane , Conti Filomena , Jaffray Patrick , Soubrane Olivier , Calmus Yvon , Weill Bernard , Batteux Frédéric
Published: April 2004

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, frequently associated with obesity, can lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. The pathophysiology of NASH is poorly understood, and no effective treatment is available. In view of a potential deleterious role for reactive oxygen species (ROS), we investigated the origin of ROS overproduction in NASH. Mitochondrial production of ROS and its alterations in the presence of antioxidant molecules were studied in livers from ob/ob mice that bear a mutation of the leptin gene and develop experimental NASH. N-acetyl-cysteine and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics ambroxol, manganese [III] tetrakis (5,10,15,20 benzoic acid) (MnTBAP), and copper [II] diisopropyl salicylate (CuDIPS) were used to target different checkpoints of the oxidative cascade to determine the pathways involved in ROS production. Liver mitochondria from ob/ob mice generated more O2°− than those of lean littermates (P < .01). Ex vivo, all three SOD mimics decreased O2°− generation (P < .001) and totally inhibited lipid peroxidation (P < .001) versus untreated ob/ob mice. Those modifications were associated with in vivo improvements: MnTBAP and CuDIPS reduced weight (P < .02) and limited the extension of histological liver steatosis by 30% and 52%, respectively, versus untreated ob/ob mice. In conclusion, these data demonstrate deleterious effects of superoxide anions in NASH and point at the potential interest of nonpeptidyl mimics of SOD in the treatment of NASH in humans. (Hepatology 2004;39:1277-1285.)
A double-blind randomized controlled trial of infliximab associated with prednisolone in acute alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Naveau Sylvie , Chollet-Martin Sylvie , Dharancy Sébastien , Mathurin Philippe , Jouet Pauline , Piquet Marie-Astrid , Davion Thierry , Oberti Frédéric , Broët Philippe , Emilie Dominique
Published: April 2004

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) may contribute to the progression of acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an association of infliximab and prednisolone at reducing the 2-month mortality rate among patients with severe AAH. Patients with severe AAH (Maddrey score ≥32) were randomly assigned to group A receiving intravenous infusions of infliximab (10 mg/kg) in weeks 0, 2, and 4; or group B receiving a placebo at the same times. All patients received prednisolone (40 mg/day) for 28 days. Blood neutrophil functional capacities were monitored over 28 days. After randomization of 36 patients, seven patients from group A and three from group B died within 2 months. The probability of being dead at 2 months was higher (not significant [NS]) in group A (39% ± 11%) than in group B (18% ± 9%). The study was stopped by the follow-up committee and the sponsor (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris). The frequency of severe infections within 2 months was higher in group A than in group B (P < .002). This difference was potentially related to a significantly lower ex vivo stimulation capacity of neutrophils. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of Maddrey scores at any time point. In conclusion, three infusions of 10 mg/kg of infliximab in association with prednisolone may be harmful in patients with severe AAH because of the high prevalence of severe infections. (Hepatology 2004;39:1390-1397.)
Nigricanin, the First Ellagic Acid Derived Metabolite from the Basidiomycete Russula nigricans
Authors: Tan Jian‐Wen , Xu Ji‐Bin , Dong Ze‐Jun , Luo Du‐Qiang , Liu Ji‐Kai
Published: April 2004

Nigricanin (1), the first ellagic acid related derivative from higher fungi, has been isolated from the fruiting bodies of the Basidiomycetes Russula nigricans. The structure of the novel compound was established by spectroscopic and chemical methods.
Syntheses and Glycosidase Inhibitory Activities of 2‐(Aminomethyl)‐5‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine‐3,4‐diol Derivatives
Authors: Popowycz Florence , Gerber‐Lemaire Sandrine , Schütz Catherine , Vogel Pierre
Published: April 2004

New 2‐(aminomethyl)‐5‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine‐3,4‐diol derivatives were synthesized from (5S)‐5‐[(trityloxy)methyl]pyrrolidin‐2‐one (6) (Schemes 1 and 2) and their inhibitory activities toward 25 glycosidases assayed (Table). The influence of the configuration of the pyrrolidine ring on glycosidase inhibition was evaluated. (2R,3R,4S,5R)‐2‐[(benzylamino)methyl]‐5‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine‐3,4‐diol ((+)‐21) was found to be a good and selective inhibitor of α‐mannosidase from jack bean (Ki=1.2 μM) and from almond (Ki=1.0 μM). Selectivity was lost for the non‐benzylated derivative (2R,3R,4S,5R)‐2‐(aminomethyl)‐5‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine‐3,4‐diol ((+)‐22) which inhibited α‐galactosidases, β‐galactosidases, β‐glucosidases, and α‐N‐acetylgalactosaminidase as well.
Tetrakis(diethyl‐phosphonat)‐, Tetrakis(ethyl‐phenylphosphinat)‐ und Tetrakis(diphenylphosphin‐oxid)‐substituierte Phthalocyanine
Authors: Märkl Gottfried , Gschwendner Karl , Rötzer Ingrid , Kreitmeier Peter
Published: April 2004

Tetrakis(diethyl phosphonate), Tetrakis(ethyl phenylphosphinate)‐, and Tetrakis(diphenylphosphine oxide)‐Substituted Phthalocyanines

The title compounds 7, 9, and 11 are obtained by tetramerization of diethyl (3,4‐dicyanophenyl)phosphonate (5), ethyl (3,4‐dicyanophenyl)phenylphosphinate (8), and 4‐(diphenylphosphinyl)benzene‐1,2‐dicarbonitrile (10). The 31P‐NMR spectra of the phthalocyanines 7, 9, and 11 and of their metal complexes present five to eight signals confirming the formation of four constitutional isomers with the expected C4h, D2h, C2v, and Cs symmetry. In the FAB‐MS of the Zn, Cu, and Ni complexes of 7 and 9, the peaks of dimeric phthalocyanines are observed. By gel‐permeation chromatography, the monomeric complex [Ni(7)] and a dimer [Ni(7)]2 can be separated. These dimers differ from the known phthalocyanine dimers, i.e., possibly the P(O)(OEt)2 and P(O)(Ph)(OEt) substituents in 7 and 9 are involved in complexation. The free phosphonic acid complex [Zn(12)] and [Cu(12)] are H2O‐soluble. In the FAB‐MS of [Zn(12)], only the peaks of the dimer are present; the ESI‐MS confirms the existence of the dimer and the metal‐free dimer. In the UV/VIS spectrum of [Zn(12)], the hypsochromic shift characteristic for the known type of dimers from 660–700 nm to 620–640 nm is observed. As in the FAB‐MS of [Zn(12)], the free phosphinic acid complex [Zn(13)] shows only the monomer, an ESI‐MS cannot be obtained for solubility problems. The UV/VIS spectrum of [Zn(13)] demonstrates the existence of the monomer as well as of the dimer.
Contortisiliosides A–G: Isolation of Seven New Triterpene Bisdesmosides from Enterolobium contortisiliquum and Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Mimaki Yoshihiro , Harada Hiroshi , Sakuma Chiseko , Haraguchi Mitsue , Yui Satoru , Kudo Tomoya , Yamazaki Masatoshi , Sashida Yutaka
Published: April 2004

Seven new bisdesmosidic triterpene saponins, with up to eight monosaccharides, which were given the trivial names contortisiliosides A–G (1–7), were isolated from Enterolobium contortisiliquum. The structures of the new saponins were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses of both intact and acid‐hydrolyzed compounds. The isolated saponins were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against BAC1.2F5 mouse macrophages, EL‐4 mouse lymphoma cells, and L‐929 mouse fibroblasts. Whereas contortisiliosides A (1) and C (3) were moderately cytotoxic to both BAC1.2F5 macrophages and EL‐4 cells, and contortisiliosides D–G (4–7) did not show any apparent cytotoxic activities against the three cell lines, contortisilioside B (2) exhibited selective cytotoxic activity against BAC1.2F5 mouse macrophages, with an IC50 value of 3.4 μM. The macrophage death caused by 2 was shown to be neither necrotic nor apoptosis‐inducing based on the unique morphological change of the killed cells, whose cytosols were transformed into large vacuoles, and according to the TUNEL assay.
A Novel 19,21‐Secohetisan Diterpenoid Alkaloid from Aconitum tanguticum
Authors: Li Liang , Zhao Jingfeng , Wang Yu Bo , Zhang Hong Bin
Published: April 2004

A novel 19,21‐secohetisan diterpenoid alkaloid, tangutisine A (1), was isolated from Aconitum tanguticum (Maxim.) Stapf. Its structure was determined by HR‐EI‐MS and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy and by comparison with the data of known 19,21‐secohetisan derivatives.
Diagnosis of infection after total hip replacement
Authors: Savarino L. , Baldini N. , Tarabusi C. , Pellacani A. , Giunti A.
Published: April 2004

Subclinical infection in patients with pain following total hip replacement (THR) is an underestimated condition that needs consideration because it mimics aseptic loosening, contributes to periprosthetic osteolysis, and necessitates proper treatment. We aimed to define the reliability of diagnostic parameters that are routinely used before revision surgery for the assessment of infection. A continuous series of 26 subjects who underwent THR revision surgery was considered, including 21 cases diagnosed as aseptic loosening (group A) and 5 hip revisions with a clinical diagnosis for infection (group B). Seven subjects at the time of the primary arthroplasty were used as negative controls (group C). Technetium‐99m labeled hydroxymethylene diphosphonate [(99m)Tc‐HDP]‐ and technetium‐99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxide [(99m)Tc‐HMPAO)]‐labeled granulocyte scintigraphy, histology of peri‐implant tissues, laboratory tests for inflammation, and microbiology were performed. Scintigraphy was positive for loosening [positive (99m)Tc‐HDP scan] but negative for infection [negative (99m)Tc‐HMPAO‐labeled granulocyte scan] in all group A patients, whereas in 11 cases (52%) a positive culture was unexpectedly obtained. Histology showed conflicting results: Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) were found only in 5 of 11 culture‐positive patients, whereas in 2 cases the presence of PMNs did not correspond to a positive culture. In group B patients, both isotope scans and microbiology were found to be positive. All control subjects (group C) had negative cultures. In our opinion, smoldering infection could be present in a significant proportion of cases of failed hip implants currently diagnosed as “nonseptic.” The inflammatory response to wear debris and the presence of superimposed, slowly growing bacteria could act synergically, both contributing to the pathogenesis of periprosthetic osteolysis. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 70B: 139–145, 2004
Combined alpha tumor necrosis factor gene therapy and engineered dendritic cell vaccine in combating well‐established tumors
Authors: Liu Yongqing , Saxena Anurag , Zheng Changyu , Carlsen Svein , Xiang Jim
Published: April 2004

Background

Although current immunotherapeutic strategies including adenovirus (AdV)‐mediated gene therapy and dendritic cell (DC) vaccine can all stimulate antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CLT) responses, their therapeutic efficiency has still been limited to generation of prophylactic antitumor immunity against re‐challenge with the parental tumor cells or growth inhibition of small tumors in vivo. However, it is the well‐established tumors in animal models that mimic clinical patients with existing tumor burdens. Alpha tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) is a multifunctional and immunoregulatory cytokine that induces antitumor activity and activates immune cells such as DCs and T cells. We hypothesized that a combined immunotherapy including gene therapy and DC vaccine would have some advantages over each modality administered as a monotherapy.

Methods

We investigated the antitumor immunotherapeutic efficiency of gene therapy by intratumoral injection of AdVTNF‐α and DC vaccine using subcutaneous injection of TNF‐α‐gene‐engineered DCTNF‐α cells, and further developed a combined AdV‐mediated TNF‐α‐gene therapy and TNF‐α‐gene‐engineered DCTNF‐α vaccine in combating well‐established MO4 tumors expressing the ovalbumin (OVA) gene in an animal model.

Results

Our data show that vaccination of DCTNF‐α cells pulsed with the OVA I peptide can (i) stimulate type 1 immune response with enhanced antitumor CTL activities, (ii) induce protective immunity against challenge of 5 × 105 MO4 tumor cells, and (iii) reduce growth of the small (3–4 mm in diameter), but not large, established MO4 tumors (6–8 mm in diameter). Our data also show that AdVTNF‐α‐mediated gene therapy can completely eradicate small tumors in 6 out of 8 (75%) mice due to the extensive tumor necrosis formation, but not the large tumors (0%). Interestingly, a combined AdVTNF‐α‐mediated gene therapy and TNF‐α‐gene‐engineered DCTNF‐α vaccine is able to cure 3 out of 8 (38%) mice bearing large MO4 tumors, indicating that the combined immunotherapy strategy is much more efficient in combating well‐established tumors than monotherapy of either gene therapy or DC vaccine alone.

Conclusions

This novel combined immunotherapy may become a tool of considerable conceptual interest in the implementation of future clinical objectives. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability number and [a,b]‐factors in graphs
Authors: Kouider Mekkia , Lonc Zbigniew
Published: April 2004

A spanning subgraph whose vertices have degrees belonging to the interval [a,b], where a and b are positive integers, such that a ≤ b, is called an [a,b]‐factor. In this paper, we prove sufficient conditions for existence of an [a,b]‐factor, a connected [a,b]‐factor, and a 2‐connected [a,b]‐factor. The conditions involve the minimum degree, the stability number, and the connectivity of a graph. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 46: 254–264, 2004
Personality correlates of offence style
Authors: Youngs Donna
Published: April 2004

The relationship between style of offending, recorded with a 45‐item self‐report inventory (the D45), and personality, as assessed by the Element B measure of FIRO theory (Schutz, 1958, 1992, 1994) was examined for 207 young offenders. Different styles of offending behaviour were identified with a Smallest Space Analysis (SSA‐I) of co‐occurrence among the 45 criminal and deviant behaviours in the D45. This revealed differentiation between Person and Property offences and between Expressive and Instrumental aspects of these styles. Examination of the Element B measures as external variables on the SSA‐I plot revealed a number of relationships between interpersonal personality and offence style. Overall variations in offence style related more clearly to aspects of Control than to interpersonal elements of Inclusion. Property offences, especially acts of vandalism, tended to be committed by individuals who reported higher levels of control from others (Received Control) than did Person offences. Expressive Person style crimes, typically behaviours incorporating violence, or threats thereof, especially where a weapon was involved, reported higher levels of the need for power and dominance (Expressed Control) in their interpersonal relationships. Offenders involved in Expressive Property crimes tended to be individuals for whom other people were felt to be more emotionally open and intimate (Received Openness) than other offenders. The conceptual and theoretical ramifications of this evidence for a differential relationship between personality and style of offending are explored as they relate to Investigative Psychology and ‘Offender Profiling’. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retrospective analysis of antiretroviral HIV treatment success based on medical history or guided by the reverse hybridisation LiPA HIV genotyping system
Authors: Alvarez M. , García F. , Martínez N.M. , Hernández Quero J. , Louwagie J. , De Brauwer A. , Maroto M.C.
Published: April 2004

The changes in viral load and CD4+ count at 3 and 6 months in a group of 166 HIV‐infected patients was evaluated. The new therapy was chosen based on the medical history procedures for 70 patients, and in 96 patients it was guided by the partial or complete result of the line probe assay (LiPA) HIV RT and Protease resistance tests. The absolute difference from the baseline of the log viral load at 3 and 6 months was significantly different between the two groups when adjusted for baseline viral load (P < 0.0001) and stayed significant when intention‐to‐treat analysis was carried out (P < 0.001). The absolute difference of the CD4+ count was not significantly different when adjusted for baseline CD4+ (P = 0.854, 3 months; P = 0.06, 6 months). The proportion of patients with a viral load ≤200 cp/ml in the medical history group (14.5%, 3 months; 15.2%, 6 months) was significantly different from the proportion of responders in the LiPA group (28.7%, 3 months, P = 0.03; 34.7%, 6 months, P = 0.008). In the intention‐to‐treat population, the difference between the two groups remained significant (P = 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of adherence (P = 0.88), number of drug failures (P = 0.12) and for the time since starting treatment (in years) (P = 0.48), but there was a significant difference for the number of new drugs in the new regimen (P < 0.0001) and for the pill burden of the treatment (P = 0.0006). A higher antiretroviral HIV treatment success guided by the LiPA HIV genotyping system than that based on the medical history only is reported. Of note, this study reached the same conclusions as previous studies, which all used sequencing. J. Med. Virol. 73:151–157, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliability of hepatitis C virus core antigen assay for detection of viremia in HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 infected blood donors: A collaborative study between Japan, Egypt, and Uzbekistan
Authors: Agha Salah , Tanaka Yasuhito , Saudy Niveen , Kurbanov Fuat , Abo‐Zeid Mostafa , EL‐Malky Mohamed , Khalaf Mohamed , Ohta Nobuo , Yoshizawa Hiroshi , Mizokami Masashi
Published: April 2004

Nucleic acid amplification‐based methods are used for confirmation of viremia in antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV)‐positive patients. However, this technology is labor intensive, time consuming, requires complex laboratory conditions, and expensive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) assay as an alternative approach for confirmation of viremia in HCV‐infected subjects with HCV genotype 1–4. Two hundred forty‐six asymptomatic HCV RNA‐ positive donors were enrolled in this study, consisting of 122 blood donors from Egypt (116 with genotype 4, 4 with genotype 1, and 2 with 1 + 4 genotypes), 109 from Japan (85 with genotype 1, and 24 with genotype 2), and 15 from Uzbekistan (all with genotype 3). A total of 234 (95.1%) of 246 RNA‐positive specimens were detected by the HCVcAg assay; the sensitivity of HCVcAg assay consisted 93.4, 100, 100, and 94.8% for genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively in comparison with RT‐PCR assay. The specificity of the assay was confirmed in the absence of the false‐positive results among 53 anti‐HCV‐negative, but anti‐Schistosoma mansoni (anti‐Sm) positive donors from Egypt. A positive correlation between HCVcAg and HCV RNA concentration levels (r = 0.671, P < 0.05) was observed among specimens with HCV genotype 4. The mean HCVcAg level was significantly lower in specimens with genotype 4 (2,935 fmol/L) comparing to genotypes 1, 2, and 3 (5,034, 4,962, and 4,740 fmol/L, respectively). No specific mutation was found in the core‐encoding region of the studied specimens. In conclusion, HCVcAg is shown to be specific, sensitive, and informative qualitative index for HCV viremia in asymptomatic carriers. J. Med. Virol. 73:216–222, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus infection of the cervix uteri in women attending a Health Examination Center of the French social security
Authors: Beby‐Defaux A. , Bourgoin A. , Ragot S. , Battandier D. , Lemasson J.M. , Renaud O. , Bouguermouh S. ,   The Practitioners of the Centre d'Examens de Santé de la Caisse Primaire d'Assurance, Vienne Maladie de la , Agius G.
Published: April 2004

Since human papillomavirus (HPV) is the central causal factor in cervical cancer, understanding the epidemiology of this infection constitutes an important step towards development of strategies for prevention. Six hundred and fifty seven cervical samples were tested for HPV using PCR with consensus primers (MY09/MY11), by genotyping (restriction and sequencing analyses) and by cervical cytology, from women who attended a Health Examination Center of the French social security. Women with no cervical smear as well as women with cytological abnormalities within the last 3 years were recruited. HPV DNA was detected in 7.3% of the women (5.3% for high‐risk, 2.4% for low‐risk, and 0.5% for unknown risk types) including 6 (0.9%) mixed infections. Fifteen different genotypes were detected, of which genotypes 16 (22.2%), 58 (13.0%), 18 (11.1%), 30 (9.2%), and 33 (9.2%) were the most prevalent. In age group 17–25 years, we found the highest frequencies for both any (22.1%) and high‐risk (14.7%) HPV, and prevalences gradually decreased with age. 5.2% of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 0.3% of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and 1.2% of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance were found. The frequencies of high risk and all HPV types were significantly higher in squamous intraepithelial lesions than in those with normal and reactive/reparative changes (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of high‐risk HPV in the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion group (28.6%) was significantly higher than in the normal and reactive/reparative changes groups (3.4%) (P < 0.0001). HPV detection was associated with younger age, single marital and non‐pregnant status (P < 0.0001), premenopausal status (P = 0.0004), and contraception (P = 0.0008). Marital status (OR 4.5; 95% CI = 2.3–9.0) and tobacco consumption (OR 3.0; 95% CI = 1.6–5.7) were predictive independent factors of HPV infection. The French system of Health Examination Centers might be of interest for following women regularly, especially those with a low socioeconomic status. J. Med. Virol. 73:262–268, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influenza virological surveillance in children: The use of the Quickvue rapid diagnostic test
Authors: Pregliasco Fabrizio , Puzelli Simona , Mensi Carolina , Anselmi Giovanni , Marinello Roberto , Tanzi M. Luisa , Affinito Chiara , Zambon Maria C. , Donatelli Isabella ,   The Collaborative Group Influchild
Published: April 2004

New rapid diagnostic methods are needed to identify influenza infections to improve virological surveillance usually undertaken with conventional time‐consuming, complex, and even expensive laboratory methods. Another reason for using a rapid test is to avoid inappropriate therapy, particularly in children, where use of antibiotics inappropriately and high influenza‐related rates of hospitalisation are described. During two winter seasons, the performance of the QuickVue® Influenza test (QV) was evaluated in children under 14 presenting with influenza like illness, and compared the results with those obtained from sentinel network surveillance using standard protocols for the sample collection and the laboratory analysis by virus culture and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). During the first influenza season (2000/2001), 22 paediatricians collected one nose‐ and one throat‐swab from each of the 586 children 0–6 years old recruited in the study. The QV test was carried out in the physician's office by primary care staff on the nose swab material. When compared with virus culture of the throat swab, the QV test had a sensitivity of 36.5%. In the following 2001/2002‐influenza season, the performance of the QV test as a rapid laboratory screening assay was assessed. 342 children aged 0–14 years were enrolled with only one throat swab collected from each patient and sent to the laboratory where the QV, virus culture, and RT‐PCR tests were performed. The results showed a better sensitivity (54.5%) of the test in comparison with virus culture and RT‐PCR assays. The data indicate that rapid QV testing in the physician office setting, using these easily obtained samples, may be too insensitive to be useful for surveillance and for immediate clinical management of children presenting with influenza‐like illness. Nevertheless, the QV test may be a valuable diagnostic tool if used in laboratory, as a rapid screening test. J. Med. Virol. 73:269–273, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.