bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constant scalar curvature metrics on connected sums
Authors: Joyce Dominic
Published: February 2003

The Yamabe problem (proved in 1984) guarantees the existence of a metric of constant scalar curvature in each
conformal class of Riemannian metrics on a compact manifold of
dimension n ≥ 3, which minimizes the total scalar curvature on
this conformal class. Let (M′, g′) and (M″, g″) be compact Riemannian n‐manifolds. We form their connected sumM′#M″ by removing small balls of radius ϵ from
M′, M″ and gluing together the 𝒮n−1 boundaries, and make a metric g on M′#M″ by joining
together g′, g″ with a partition of unity. In this paper, we
use analysis to study metrics with constant scalar curvature on
M′#M″ in the conformal class of g. By the Yamabe problem,
we may rescale g′ and g″ to have constant scalar curvature
1, 0, or −1. Thus, there are 9 cases, which we handle
separately. We show that the constant scalar curvature metrics
either develop small “necks” separating M′ and M″, or one
of M′, M″ is crushed small by the conformal factor. When
both sides have positive scalar curvature, we find three metrics
with scalar curvature 1 in the same conformal class.
A basic inequality for submanifolds in a cosymplectic space form
Authors: Kim Jeong-Sik , Choi Jaedong
Published: February 2003

For submanifolds tangent to the structure vector field in
cosymplectic space forms, we establish a basic inequality between
the main intrinsic invariants of the submanifold, namely, its
sectional curvature and scalar curvature on one side; and its
main extrinsic invariant, namely, squared mean curvature on the
other side. Some applications, including inequalities between the
intrinsic invariant δM and the squared mean curvature,
are given. The equality cases are also discussed.
Isomorphism of generalized triangular matrix‐rings and recovery of tiles
Authors: Khazal R. , Dăscălescu S. , Wyk L. Van
Published: February 2003

We prove an isomorphism theorem for generalized triangular
matrix‐rings, over rings having only the idempotents 0and 1, in particular, over indecomposable commutative rings or over local rings
(not necessarily commutative). As a consequence, we obtain a recovery
result for the tile in a tiled matrix‐ring.
On vector‐valued Hardy martingales and a generalized Jensen′s inequality
Authors: Kelly Annela R. , Kelly Brian P.
Published: February 2003

We establish a generalized Jensen′s inequality for analytic vector‐valued functions on 𝕋N using a monotonicity
property of vector‐valued Hardy martingales. We then discuss how this
result extends to functions on a compact abelian group G, which are
analytic with respect to an order on the dual group. We also give a
generalization of Helson and Lowdenslager′s version of Jensen′s
inequality to certain operator‐valued analytic functions.
A regression characterization of inverse Gaussian distributionsand application to EDF goodness‐of‐fit tests
Authors: Dinh Khoan T. , Nguyen Nhu T. , Nguyen Truc T.
Published: February 2003

We give a new characterization of inverse Gaussian distributions
using the regression of a suitable statistic based on a given
random sample. A corollary of this result is a characterization
of inverse Gaussian distribution based on a conditional joint
density function of the sample. Application of this corollary as
a transformation in the procedure to construct EDF (empirical
distribution function) goodness‐of‐fit tests for inverse Gaussian
distributions is also studied.
On the problem of retracting balls onto their boundary
Authors: Goebel Kazimierz
Published: February 2003

We provide some new estimates of the smallest possible Lipschitz
constant for retractions of the unit ball B onto the unit
sphere S in infinite‐dimensional Banach spaces.
Fixed points of asymptotically regular nonexpansive mappings onnonconvex sets
Authors: Kaczor Wiesława
Published: February 2003

It is shown that if X is a Banach space and C is a union of
finitely many nonempty, pairwise disjoint, closed, and connected
subsets {Ci : 1 ≤ i ≤ n } of X, and each Ci has the fixed‐point property (FPP) for asymptotically regular nonexpansive
mappings, then any asymptotically regular nonexpansive self‐mapping of C has a fixed point. We also generalize the
Goebel‐Schöneberg theorem to some Banach spaces with Opial′s
property.
On best proximity pair theorems and fixed‐point theorems
Authors: Srinivasan P. S. , Veeramani P.
Published: February 2003

The significance of fixed‐point theory stems from the fact that it
furnishes a unified approach and constitutes an important tool in
solving equations which are not necessarily linear. On the other
hand, if the fixed‐point equation Tx = x does not possess a solution, it is contemplated to resolve a problem of finding an element x such that x is in proximity to Tx in some sense. Best proximity pair theorems analyze the conditions under which the optimization problem, namely minx∈A d(x, Tx) has a solution. In this paper, we discuss the difference between best
approximation theorems and best proximity pair theorems. We also discuss an application of a best proximity pair theorem to the theory of games.
Perturbation approach for nuclear magnetic resonance solid‐state quantum computation
Authors: Berman G. P. , Kamenev D. I. , Tsifrinovich V. I.
Published: February 2003

A dynamics of a nuclear‐spin quantum computer with a large number (L = 1000) of qubits is considered using a perturbation approach. Small parameters are introduced and used to compute the error in an implementation of an entanglement between remote qubits, using a sequence of radio‐frequency pulses. The error is computed up to the different orders of the perturbation theory and tested using exact numerical solution.
Time averaging for functional differential equations
Authors: Lakrib Mustapha
Published: February 2003

We present a result on the averaging for functional differential equations on finite time intervals. The result is formulated in both classical mathematics and nonstandard analysis; its proof uses some methods of nonstandard analysis.
A boundary value problem for cold plasma dynamics
Authors: Otway Thomas H.
Published: February 2003

A weak Guderley‐Morawetz problem is formulated for a mixed
elliptic‐hyperbolic system that arises in models of wave
propagation in cold plasma. Weak solutions are shown to exist in
a weighted Hilbert space. This result extends the work of
Yamamoto (1994).
Plato and the Method of Analysis
Authors: Menn Stephen
Published: February 2003

Late ancient Platonists and Aristotelians describe the method of reasoning to first principles as "analysis." This is a metaphor from geometrical practice. How far back were philosophers taking geometric analysis as a model for philosophy, and what work did they mean this model to do? After giving a logical description of analysis in geometry, and arguing that the standard (not entirely accurate) late ancient logical description of analysis was already familiar in the time of Plato and Aristotle, I argue that Plato, in the second geometrical passage of the Meno (86e4-87b2), is taking analysis as a model for one kind of philosophical reasoning, and I explore the advantages and limits of this model for philosophical discovery, and in particular for how first principles can be discovered, without circularity, by argument.
Leucippus, Democritus and the oυ μαλλoν Principle: An Examination of Theophrastus Phys.Op. Fr. 8
Authors: Schofield Malcolm
Published: February 2003

This paper is a piece of detective work. Starting from an obvious excrescence in the transmitted text of Simplicius's treatment of the foundations of Presocratic atomism near the beginning of his Physics commentary, it excavates a Theophrastean correction to Aristotle's tendency to lump Leucippus and Democritus together: Theophrastus made application of the oυ μαλλoν principle in the sphere of ontology an innovation by Democritus. Along the way it shows Simplicius reordering his Theophrastean source in his efforts to find material which will strengthen the contrast between Leucippus's atomism and Eleatic metaphysics. And it argues that in doing so he all but obliterates Theophrastus's attempt to point up the Democritean credentials of the oυ μαλλoν principle.
Aristotle on Platonic Recollection and the Paradox of Knowing Universals: Prior Analytics B.21 67a8-30
Authors: Gifford Mark
Published: February 2003

The paper provides close commentary on an important but generally neglected passage in Prior Analytics B.21 where, in the course of solving a logical puzzle concerning our knowledge of universal statements, Aristotle offers his only explicit treatment of the Platonic doctrine of Recollection. I show how Aristotle defends his solution to the "Paradox of Knowing Universals", as we might call it, and why he introduces Recollection into his discussion of the puzzle. The reading I develop undermines the traditional view of the passage and lends fresh insight into Aristotle's conception of Plato's particular version of innatism; more specifically, when understood as I recommend, the passage strongly suggests that, on Aristotle's view, Plato's theory of Recollection is specifically designed to explain our apprehension of universal truths. The reading I propose also enables us to see how the allegedly non-standard use of the technical term επαγωγη in B.21 can be understood in a perfectly straightforward fashion to refer to an inductive inference from singular statements to the universal truth they exemplify. Owing to this last point in particular, the paper carries serious consequences for our understanding of the purported doublet in the problematic opening chapter to the Posterior Analytics where Aristotle offers his only explicit attempt to solve Meno's Paradox.
A Comparison between the Acid-Catalysed Reactions of Some Dihydroxamic Acids, Monohydroxamic Acids and Desferal
Authors: Ghosh Kallol K , Patle Shyam Kumar , Sharma Pokhraj , Rajput Surendra Kumar
Published: February 2003

A kinetic study on the hydrolysis of some dihydroxamic acids HOHNOC–(CH2)n–CONHOH (n = 0, oxalo, [ODHA]; n = 1 malono [MDHA]; and n = 2, succino, [SDHA] dihydroxamic acids) in aqueous mineral acids is reported. A comparison of the kinetic data with those from the hydrolysis of simple monohydroxamic acid, (acetohydroxamic acid [AHA] CH3CONHOH, benzohydroxamic acid [BHA] C6H5CONHOH) and the natural trihydroxamate-based siderophore desferal (DFB) revealed that the hydrolytic stability sequence of the compounds is generally: BHA > ODHA > MDHA > DFB > AHA > SDHA. An excess acidity analysis reveals that the reaction involving a pre-equilibrium protonation was followed by a rate determining A-2 type nucleophilic attack of water molecule on the protonated substrate. An attempt has been made to study protonation equilibria.
Production Yields of H(D) Atoms in the Reactions of N2(a′ 1Σu−) with H2O, D2O, and HOD
Authors: Umemoto Hironobu , Oku Mizuki
Published: February 2003

The deactivation processes of N2(a′ 1Σu−, v = 0), the lowest metastable singlet-state molecular nitrogen, by H2O, D2O, and HOD were investigated. The overall rate constants as well as the quantum yields for the production of H(D) atoms were determined. N2(a′, v = 0) was produced by energy transfer from N2(a 1Πg, v = 0), while N2(a, v = 0) was produced by a two-photon excitation of the ground-state N2. The rate constants for the deactivation by H2O and D2O were determined to be (4.22 ± 0.27) × 10−10 and (4.21 ± 0.11) × 10−10 cm3 s−1, respectively, by measuring the decay profiles of N2(a, v = 0) under equilibrated conditions. The quantum yields for the production of H(D) atoms were determined to be 0.9 −0.2+0.1 both for H2O and D2O under the assumption that the only exit for H2(D2) is the production of two H(D) atoms. In a reaction with HOD, the yield ratio of [H]/[D] was measured to be 1.0 ± 0.1. This lack of the isotope effect suggests that the decomposition proceeds by forming bound intermediate complexes, such as HNNOD and DNNOH.
Transfer Mechanism of Dodecyl Sulfate with Methylene Blue across an Oil/Water Interface Studied by Single-Droplet Injection and Microabsorption Methods
Authors: Chikama Katsumi , Negishi Takayuki , Nakatani Kiyoharu
Published: February 2003

The ion-pair extraction mechanism in a dodecyl sodium sulfate (Na+DS−)/Methylene Blue (MB+Cl−) system was kinetically investigated by single microdroplet techniques. A single tributyl phosphate microdroplet was injected into an aqueous solution and the extraction rate of MB+ by DS− into the single droplet was measured with time using a microabsorption method. The MB+ concentration in the droplet at the extraction equilibrium was independent of the pH in water, while the extraction rate was highly influenced by the pH. The characteristic pH dependence of the MB+/DS− extraction was considered in terms of the mass transfer of MB+, DS− and H+ as individual ions across the oil/water interface.
Spectroelectrochemistry of Porphyrin Containing Mono- and Hetero-Bimetallic Systems: Porphyrin-Ru(bpy)3 Conjugates
Authors: Lintuluoto Juha M , Borovkov Victor V , Hembury Guy A , Inoue Yoshihisa
Published: February 2003

The redox behavior of porphyrin-Ru(bpy)3 conjugates is studied by means of spectroelectrochemistry. The redox potentials for the porphyrin freebase, zinc and manganese derivatives are measured and compared to the corresponding monomeric reference porphyrins. Among the porphyrin-Ru(bpy)3 conjugates, the manganese derivative behaved like its monomeric reference compound, the zinc derivative showed moderate differences, and the freebase derivative exhibited the largest differences. These results are understood to originate from the extended orbital overlap of the redox reaction centers. In the case of the freebase derivative, the bpy ligand of the Ru(bpy)3 moiety is spacially very close to one of the porphyrin moiety’s π-system pyrroles, which is acting as a redox reaction center. For the zinc derivative this effect is more moderate; and because the redox reactions in the manganese derivative occur at the manganese central metal, which is too far from the bpy group, the effect is minimal. From the viewpoint of the Ru(bpy)3 moiety, the redox reactions of the Ru metal are not affected by the presence of the porphyrins due to the absence of Ru-porphyrin orbital overlap.
Modified Hydroborate Agent: (2,2′-Bipyridyl)(tetrahydroborato)zinc Complex, [Zn(BH4)2(bpy)], as a New, Stable, Efficient Ligand-Metal Hydroborate and Chemoselective Reducing Agent
Authors: Zeynizadeh Behzad
Published: February 2003

(2,2′-Bipyridyl)(tetrahydroborato)zinc complex, [Zn(BH4)2(bpy)], is a new white stable compound which has been used for efficient reduction of variety of carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes, ketones, acyloins, α-diketones and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds (1,2-reduction) to their corresponding alcohols in acetonitrile at room temperature. Excellent chemoselectivity was also observed for the reduction of aldehydes over ketones with this reducing agent.
Syntheses and Properties of Sila-Functional Oligosiloxanes—Linear and Cyclic Tetrasiloxanes with Methyl and Vinyl Groups—
Authors: Gunji Takahiro , Watanabe Miho , Abe Koji , Abe Yoshimoto
Published: February 2003

The syntheses of the titled oligosiloxanes by controlled hydrolysis of the corresponding isocyanatosilanes under vapor phase or in THF (or THF/ether) were investigated. The vapor phase hydrolysis of RSi(NCO)3 (R = Me, Vinyl) with a water–1,4-dioxane vapor gave the disiloxanes [R(OCN)2Si]2O in yields of 85% (R = Me) and 90% (R = Vinyl). Further vapor phase hydrolysis of the disiloxanes provided the linear tetrasiloxanes NCO[SiR(NCO)O]3SiR(NCO)2 in yields of 71% (R = Me) and 69% (R = Vinyl). The cyclotetrasiloxanes [R(OCN)SiO]4 were synthesized in yields of 12% (R = Me) and 33% (R = Vinyl) or 24% (R = Me) and 58% (R = Vinyl) by hydrolysis of the disiloxanes or of the linear tetrasiloxanes in THF, respectively. On the other hand, the linear tetrasiloxanes OCN[SiR(OPri)O]3SiR(OPri)(NCO) were obtained in yields of 50% (R = Me) and 56% (R = Vinyl) by hydrolysis of [R(OCN)(PriO)Si]2O prepared from RSi(OPri)(NCO)2 under mild conditions in THF/ether, while the cyclic tetrasiloxanes [R(PriO)SiO]4 were afforded in the yield of 61–62% by hydrolysis of the disiloxanes under more severe conditions in THF.
Successive Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation by Sequential Generation of Radical and Anionic Species with Manganese and Catalytic Amounts of PbCl2 and Me3SiCl
Authors: Takai Kazuhiko , Ueda Takashi , Ikeda Norihiko , Ishiyama Takaya , Matsushita Hiroshi
Published: February 2003

Three-component coupling reactions of iodoalkanes, α,β-unsaturated nitriles (or esters), and carbonyl compounds are achieved in good to excellent yields with a moderate reducing system derived from manganese metal and a catalytic amount of PbCl2 and Me3SiCl. Although the role of PbCl2 is unclear, addition of a catalytic amount of the salt is essential for reducing the iodoalkane. The reaction proceeds with primary, secondary, and tertiary iodoalkanes. Both acrylonitrile and acrylic esters can be employed as activated olefins, while the reaction with an alkyl vinyl ketone gives a complex mixture. Ketones and aldehydes can be used as the third component and the diastereoselectivity of the anionic addition is approximately 1 : 1–2 : 1 ratio. By using the heterogenerative process, i.e., successive 1,4-addition by radical and anionic internal addition, cyclopropanation of electron-deficient olefins is achieved with chloroiodomethane, manganese, PbCl2, Me3SiCl, and DMAP.
Synthesis of Novel Thermally Irreversible Photochromic 1-Aryl-1,3-butadiene Derivatives
Authors: Shrestha Sujen Man , Nagashima Hitoshi , Yokoyama Yayoi , Yokoyama Yasushi
Published: February 2003

A new thermally irreversible photochromic compound, 3,3,4,4,5,5-hexafluoro-1-(1-isopropylidene-1-phenylmethyl)-2-(2,4,5-trimethyl-3-thienyl)cyclopentene 3O, was synthesized and its photochromic properties were examined. It showed thermally irreversible photochromism. While 3O is colorless, it turned yellow (λmax 445 nm) upon the irradiation of 313-nm light, caused by the generation of 3C as the result of photochemical 6π-electrocyclization. It returned to the initial colorless state by 405-nm light irradiation. The coloration and decoloration quantum yields with 313-nm light were 0.43 and 0.14, respectively, and the decoloration quantum yield with 405-nm light was 0.16. The colored form 3C in a PMMA film did not fade when stored at 80 °C for more than one month, and the fatigue resistivity in the PMMA film for iterative irradiation was excellent.
Enzymatic Oxidative Polymerization of p-t-Butylphenol and Characterization of the Product Polymer
Authors: Mita Naruyoshi , Maruichi Naoyuki , Tonami Hiroyuki , Nagahata Ritsuko , Tawaki Shin-ichiro , Uyama Hiroshi , Kobayashi Shiro
Published: February 2003

For structural control and analysis of an enzymatically synthesized polyphenol, peroxidase-catalyzed polymerization of p-t-butylphenol in a mixture of polar organic solvent and phosphate buffer has been examined in detail. The resulting products were subjected to preparative HPLC. Two dimers and one trimer were isolated and their structures were determined by 1H and 13C NMR. ESI-TOF mass analysis showed the formation of two kinds of dimer and of at least four kinds of trimer. These data clearly showed that the polymer was composed of a mixture of phenylene and oxyphenylene units. The ratio of phenylene and oxyphenylene units in the product could be controlled by changing the solvent composition. The phenylene unit linearly increased as a function of the water content in the mixed solvent.
Organic Photoconductors Using a Novel Charge-Transport Material, 2-[p-Di(p-tolyl)aminostyryl]-4-methylthiazole
Authors: Aratani Sukekazu , Suzuki Shigeo , Kawanishi Tsuneaki , Kakuta Atsushi
Published: February 2003

Organic photoconductors using 2-[p-di(p-tolyl)aminostyryl]-4-methylthiazole, which is a newly developed material with high hole mobility, as a charge-transport material and τ-type metal-free phthalocyanine as a charge-generation material, have been examined. The photoconductors showed an excellent photoresponse, but had a high residual potential. In order to ascertain the reason for this, the variation of the xerographic gain with the thickness of the charge-transport layer and the electric field was measured. The results suggested that a large energy barrier between 2-[p-di(p-tolyl)aminostyryl]-4-methylthiazole and τ-type metal-free phthalocyanine induced a large decrease in the xerographic gain at a low electric field, which caused a high residual potential.
Preparation and Properties of Kinetically Stabilized Phosphaethene Derivatives Carrying the Methylsulfanyl Group
Authors: Ito Shigekazu , Kimura Shigeo , Yoshifuji Masaaki
Published: February 2003

1-Methylsulfanyl-2-(2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl)-2-phosphaethenyllithiums, prepared from (Z)-2-bromo-2-methylsulfanyl-1-(2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl)-1-phosphaethene, displayed an E/Z isomerization upon warming to room temperature. The copper-mediated coupling reaction afforded (Z,Z)-2,3-bis(methylsulfanyl)-1,4-diphosphabuta-1,3-diene. The reaction of the phosphaethenyllithiums with dimethyl disulfide and iodomethane gave the corresponding bis(methylsulfanyl)phosphaethene and a methylated E-isomer, respectively. On the other hand, the latter methylated Z-isomer was alternatively prepared from (Z)-2-bromo-1-(2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl)-1-phosphapropene. Both methylated E- and Z-isomers were allowed to react with W(CO)5(thf) to give the corresponding pentacarbonyltungsten(0) complexes, either of which was deprotonated to give the 3-phospha-2-propenyllithium derivative leading to the formation of a homocoupled (Z,Z)-1,6-diphosphahexa-1,5-diene complex. Some key compounds were analyzed by X-ray crystallography, revealing the effect of the methylsulfanyl group on the structures. A straightforward preparation of 1-(2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenyl)-1-phosphaallene as well as its carbonyltungsten(0) complex is also described.
Convenient Methods for the Preparation of Unsymmetrical Double Aldols
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Pudhom Khanitha , Yamane Keiko , Arai Hidehiro
Published: February 2003

Double aldol reaction proceeded stereoselectively at one α-carbon of ketones to give α-(1-hydroxyalkyl)-β-hydroxyalkyl ketones (double aldols) in good to high yields by the following three methods: i) tin(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate-mediated aldol reaction of aldehydes with β-hydroxy ketones (mono-aldols) in the presence of tertiary amines, ii) samarium(II) iodide-mediated aldol reaction of aldehydes with alkyl or aryl oxiranyl ketones, iii) Sn(OTf)2-promoted aldol reaction of α-bromo ketones with aldehydes giving α-bromo-β-stannyloxy ketones which were then converted to titanium enolates on treatment with low-valent titanium. Double aldols were formed by subsequent reaction of the above titanium enolates with aldehydes in one-pot procedure. Further, small and medium-sized carbocyclic compounds whose ring skeletons were composed of double aldol structure were synthesized by SmI2-mediated intramolecular cyclization between oxiranyl ketone and aldehyde functions.
Effect of Photoirradiation on the Properties of Layered Titanate Thin Films from Transparent Aqueous Titanate Sols
Authors: Ohya Tomokazu , Nakayama Aki , Ban Takayuki , Ohya Yutaka , Takahashi Yasutaka
Published: February 2003

UV irradiation on films prepared by a spin-coating method using aqueous titanate sols was investigated. The transparent sols used in this study were prepared by a reaction of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TIP) with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) or alkylamines, and consisted of a layered compound. The refractive indices and hardening of the films increased with the irradiation time, indicating that photoirradiation accelerated densification of the films. It was found that these phenomena were caused by the photocatalytic decomposition of alkylammonium ions located between the titanate sheets to contract the interlayer distance. Interestingly, when the film prepared from the TIP–TMAOH sol containing 30 mol% of sucrose to Ti was irradiated through a patterning mask and subsequently heated in air at 500 °C, the irradiated part of the film selectively turned dark brown due to residual carbon. It was thought that sucrose molecules were confined within the host titanate layers densificated by UV irradiation and that the oxidation of the sucrose by oxygen in air was difficult under heating because the densificated titanates might suppress the diffusion of oxygen.

On the other hand, such coloring of the films by sucrose was not found for films prepared from an aqueous suspension of crystalline TiO2 (anatase), an aqueous solution of TIP–lactic acid (LA)–NH3, and alcoholic sols such as the TIP–diethanolamine (DEA) system.
Transport Characteristics of Neutralization Dialysis and Desalination of Tap Water
Authors: Igawa Manabu , Mikami Kentaro , Okochi Hiroshi
Published: February 2003

In neutralization dialysis, the salt solution is desalinated continuously. The cations in desalination compartment are exchanged with protons in the acid compartment across a cation-exchange membrane and the anions are exchanged with hydroxide ions in the base compartment across an anion-exchange membrane. A simple index (C/J), where C is the source phase concentration (mol cm−3) and J is the flux (mol cm−2 min−1), was proposed for the estimation of the desalination properties in neutralization dialysis. The index was based on the concepts of the ion-exchange reaction rate at the membrane interface and was related to the permeation constant in the source-phase boundary layer at the membrane interface, Pa (cm min−1), as C/J = 1/(k1·Cex) + 1/Pa, where k1 is the rate constant of ion-exchange reaction (mol−1 cm4 min−1) and Cex is the ion exchange capacity of the membrane (mol cm−3). The desalination efficiency increased with the decrease of the desalination compartment thickness and the decrease of the linear velocity, which can be estimated well by using the index. Tap water was desalinated by neutralization dialysis and pure water was obtained at the outlet of the desalination cell.
Circulating nucleosomes and response to chemotherapy: An in vitro, in vivo and clinical study on cervical cancer patients
Authors: Trejo‐Becerril Catalina , Pérez‐Cárdenas Enrique , Treviño‐Cuevas Homero , Taja‐Chayeb Lucía , García‐López Patricia , Segura‐Pacheco Blanca , Chávez‐Blanco Alma , Lizano‐Soberon Marcela , González‐Fierro Aurora , Mariscal Ignacio , Wegman‐Ostrosky Talia , Dueñas‐González Alfonso
Published: March 2003

It is known that cell‐free DNA circulates in plasma/serum of patients with cancer and that part of this DNA circulates as nucleosomes that can be quantified by ELISA. We analyzed the effect of tumor and chemotherapy upon the levels of nucleosomes in vitro, in vivo and in cervical cancer patients. The levels of nucleosomes pre‐ and post‐treatment were correlated with response in 11 patients receiving chemotherapy. Nucleosomes were determined in nude mice treated with or without cisplatin and carrying tumors generated with HeLa cells, and in the cell lysate and supernatant of HeLa cells exposed to cisplatin in culture. In addition, nucleosomes were determined at different time points in patients and in rats receiving chemotherapy. Nucleosomes were higher in patients that controls (1,760 vs. 601, p = 0.0001). After 24 hr of treatment with oxaliplatin and gemcitabine, the levels decreased in 6 patients of whom 5 had response. Nucleosome levels differed between mice xenografted and not xenografted (765 vs. 378, p = 0.001) and between xenografted treated with or without cisplatin (650 vs. 765, p = 0.010), but not in tumor‐free animals treated and untreated with cisplatin (378 vs. 379, p = 0.99). In vitro, nucleosomes reached at peak 8 hr in cell lysates to decrease thereafter, whereas in supernatant, levels continued to increase up to 24 hr. Serial determination of nucleosomes in patients showed a rise within 6–12 hr and then a reduction to below the basal at 24 hr. In rats, nucleosomes had no major changes in those receiving oxaliplatin or the triple combination of cisplatin, gemcitabine and paclitaxel as compared to untreated controls. An overdose of this triple combination produced a transient elevation of almost 1,000 AU over the basal. Our results demonstrate that most of circulating nucleosomes originate from the tumor and that chemotherapy produces an early rise most likely due to tumor apoptosis and that nucleosomes are rapidly cleared from circulation. On the contrary, chemotherapy within the therapeutic range of doses has no effect on nucleosome levels in healthy mice and rats. This data suggests that the determination of circulating nucleosomes pre‐ and post‐treatment could be a useful test to predict response to chemotherapy in cancer patients. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Requirement of both mucins and proteoglycans in cell‐cell dissociation and invasiveness of colon carcinoma HT‐29 cells
Authors: Truant Stéphanie , Bruyneel Erik , Gouyer Valérie , De Wever Olivier , Pruvot François‐René , Mareel Mark , Huet Guillemette
Published: March 2003

Human colon carcinomas are characterized by an aberrant expression of mucins, which in some case leads to an abundant presence of mucus such as in mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas. Cellular cloning of the human colon carcinoma cell line HT‐29 (HT‐29 STD), which is mainly composed of undifferentiated cells, yielded a highly mucin‐secreting variant (HT‐29 5M21). The latter cloned cells cultured on plastic display a polarized organization with an apical secretion of MUC5AC mucin (Lesuffleur et al., Int J Cancer 1998;76:383–92.). Our aim was to study these 2 cell‐types as for the invasive and adhesive properties with regard to the function of E‐cadherin. HT‐29 STD cells were noninvasive in collagen type I, whereas HT‐29 5M21 cells were invasive, and the latter behavior was connected to a loss of function of E‐cadherin. Likewise, HT‐29 5M21 cells were characterized by a cell‐cell adhesion independent of E‐cadherin, in contrast to the E‐cadherin dependent cell‐cell adhesion of HT‐29 STD cells. Immunofluorescence of HT‐29 5M21 cells cultured on collagen type I showed the disappearance of the polarized organization, with a redistribution of apical mucins to the entire cell surface. Treatment of HT‐29 5M21 cells by 1‐benzyl‐2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐α‐D‐galactopyranoside (GalNAcα‐O‐bn) or by β‐D‐xyloside revealed that both mucins and proteoglycans were involved in the loss of E‐cadherin function. The use of specific antibodies allowed to show that MUC5AC, MUC1 and heparan sulfate proteoglycans cooperated in the formation of a biological inhibitory complex towards the function of E‐cadherin in this invasive HT‐29 clone. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strategies to avoid inappropriate therapies due to ventricular double detection in biventricular pacing implantable cardioverter/defibrillators
Authors: Kolb Christof , Zrenner Bernhard , Schreieck Jürgen , Schmitt Claus
Published: February 2003

Implantation of biventricular pacing implantable cardioverter/defibrillators (ICD) is a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of chronic heart failure and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Due to a common left and right ventricular sensing channel in first generation biventricular pacing ICD, ventricular double sensing and subsequent delivery of inappropriate therapies occurs in some patients. A case of inappropriate anti‐tachycardia pacing due to ventricular double detection is described. After programming short postventricular atrial refractory period, abandoning postventricular atrial refractory period extension in case of ventricular premature beats, increased upper rate limits and after careful selection of tachycardia detection criteria and anti‐tachycardia programming no further inappropriate therapy occurred.
NUTRICEUTICALS AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IN WOMEN
Authors: Fahs Pamela S. Stewart , Faucher Mary Ann
Published: February 2003

This article examines the evidence on use of nutriceuticals for promotion of cardiovascular health in women. Studies elucidating mechanism of action, physiologic effects of antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, and garlic are presented. Emerging evidence for the impact of homocysteine on cardiovascular risk factors and events and evidence for the impact of different types of fats on cardiovascular markers are reviewed. The effects of a heart‐healthy diet are supported in this review of research on nutriceuticals. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in women is clearly efficacious, and this article summarizes information to be shared with women about nutriceuticals and diet to better enable decisions they can adopt to promote cardiovascular health.
REDUCED FREQUENCY PRENATAL VISITS IN MIDWIFERY PRACTICE: ATTITUDES AND USE
Authors: Walker Deborah S. , Day Stephanie , Diroff Corinne , Lirette Heather , McCully Laura , Hescott Candace Mooney , Vest Victoria
Published: February 2003

Recent research supports the use of reduced frequency prenatal visit schedules (RFVS) for women of low obstetric risk. However, for the RFVS to be widely adopted for use in practice, health care providers must implement and support its use. The purpose of this study was to explore midwives'attitudes toward and use of reduced frequency prenatal care visit schedules for the care of low‐risk women. A descriptive, correlational study was conducted at the 1999 Annual Meeting of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives with completed surveys received from 234 midwives. Seventy‐two percent (n = 170) responded that they were familiar with the reduced frequency visit schedule. Of those, 71% agreed that they could give effective prenatal care by using reduced frequency scheduling, although few (17%) reported using it in practice. Significant differences were found between the midwives who were familiar versus those who were unfamiliar with the visit schedule in their perceptions for five central themes: 1) quality of care of the RFVS, 2) women's empowerment or self‐care with the RFVS, 3) ability to manage practice, 4) patient satisfaction, and 5) barriers to the use of RFVS. Providers'responses to the use of RFVS have been mixed. Successful integration of this schedule into prenatal care services may require more than knowledge of its safety for low‐risk women. Careful selection of women for whom the schedule is appropriate and a commitment from midwives to tailor prenatal care to the individual women's needs is indicated. Further research is also needed to evaluate the barriers that prevent midwives from using a reduced frequency visit schedule for the prenatal care of low‐risk clients.
ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF INFERTILITY RESOURCES ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB: TOOLS TO GUIDE CLIENTS THROUGH THE MAZE OF FACT AND FICTION
Authors: Okamura Kyoko , Bernstein Judith , Fidler Anne T.
Published: February 2003

The Internet has become a major source of health information for women, but information placed on the World Wide Web does not routinely undergo a peer review process before dissemination. In this study, we present an analysis of 197 infertility‐related Web sites for quality and accountability, using JAMA's minimal core standards for responsible print. Only 2% of the web sites analyzed met all four recommended standards, and 50.8% failed to report any of the four. Commercial web sites were more likely to fail to meet minimum standards (71.2%) than those with educational (46.8%) or supportive (29.8%) elements. Web sites with educational and informational components were most common (70.6%), followed by commercial sites (52.8%) and sites that offered a forum for infertility support and activism (28.9%). Internet resources available to infertile patients are at best variable. The current state of infertility‐related materials on the World Wide Web offers unprecedented opportunities to improve services to a growing number of e‐health users. Because of variations in quality of site content, women's health clinicians must assume responsibility for a new role as information monitor. This study provides assessment tools clinicians can apply and share with clients.
WOMEN'S PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: Santiago Julie Mottl
Published: February 2003

Midwives share a historic commitment with maternal and child public health (MCH) agencies to protect and improve perinatal health among vulnerable populations. Both professions are now beginning to broaden their responsibilities to include the comprehensive health needs of women. Because midwifery's unique woman‐centered primary care practices reflect the goals and aims of the developing MCH women's health agenda, continued partnerships between midwives and the maternal and child public health community are imperative to promote the health of women and their families. To facilitate such collaboration, this article presents an overview of women's public health policy and articulates the unique contributions midwives can and do make to women's health care and public health policy.
ABUSE‐RELATED POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS AND DESIRED MATERNITY CARE PRACTICES: WOMEN'S PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Seng Julia S. , Sparbel Kathleen J. H. , Low Lisa Kane , Killion Cheryl
Published: February 2003

Qualitative research participants who self‐identified as having a history of childhood sexual abuse and abuse‐related posttraumatic stress during the childbearing year were interviewed for the purpose of determining what these women perceive as optimal maternity care. Using a process of narrative analysis, desired care practices were identified. With the exception of one woman, all of the study participants wanted their maternity care provider to be competent to address trauma‐related needs. Three groups emerged from the data, providing a useful structure for informing providers on how best to respond to diverse abuse‐survivor clients: 1) women far along in recovery, 2) women who were not safe, and 3) women who were not ready to “know.” The first group had the best trauma‐related and maternity outcomes and the best childbearing experiences. For these women, having a provider who was a “collaborative ally” seemed beneficial. The second group had safety needs that required a “compassionate authority figure” who offered referral and follow‐up care. Women in the third group were not ready to address trauma‐related symptoms or issues overtly and appeared to need a provider who was a “therapeutic mentor.” Four assessment factors help providers determine how to respond.
ST. JOHN'S WORT AND ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES: REASONS FOR CONCERN?
Authors: Murphy Patricia Aikins
Published: February 2003

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of the best‐selling herbal remedies in the United States. It has been implicated as an inducer of the P450 enzyme system, and as such, may cause increased metabolism of certain drugs, including oral contraceptives. Women using oral contraceptives have been warned against using St. John's wort. To date, there are some case reports but little clinical data demonstrating risk of contraceptive failure if they do. This article reviews available data and discusses theoretical reasons for concern about possible drug‐herb interactions.
THE PENICILLINS: A REVIEW AND UPDATE
Authors: Miller Elissa Lane
Published: February 2003

The penicillin family is one of the most valuable groups of antibiotics in primary care. They are bacteriocidal, well distributed, and highly efficacious against susceptible organisms. Development of synthetic penicillins has both broadened the spectrum of activity and enhanced the efficacy of these medications. However, emergence of resistant bacterial strains has limited the usefulness of penicillins in recent years. Nonetheless, penicillins remain the drugs of choice for many mild, localized soft tissue infections and are particularly important in specific situations during pregnancy. History of penicillin allergy does not necessarily prohibit the use of penicillin. In patients with a self‐reported history of allergy, skin testing often fails to elicit signs of a true allergy to penicillin. Failure to prescribe penicillin for penicillin‐sensitive infections in these patients contributes to the development of bacterial resistance. This paper provides a review of the modes of action, spectrums of activity, adverse effects for the various classes of penicillin most often used in primary care and highlights clinical issues in managing women with penicillin allergy.
EARLY‐ONSET NEONATAL GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION: 2002 GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION
Authors: Jolivet R. Rima
Published: February 2003

In 1996, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and relevant professional organizations jointly released guidelines for prevention of early‐onset neonatal group B streptococcal infections. The guidelines recommended that all obstetric providers and institutions providing intrapartum services follow one of two strategies. This year, on the basis of multistate surveillance data collected since prevention strategies were initiated, the CDC has released revised prevention recommendations. This article reviews the new guidelines and discusses clinical implications for practice in a variety of settings.
HLA‐DRB1*0403 is associated with dominant protection against IDDM in the general Dutch population and subjects with high‐risk DQA1*0301‐DQB1*0302/DQA1*0501‐DQB1*0201 genotype
Authors: Roep B.o. , Schipper R. , Verduyn W. , Bruining G.j. , Schreuder G.m.th. , De Vries R.r.p.
Published: March 2003

Insulin‐dependent (Type 1) diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a genetically controlled T‐cell mediated autoimmune disease. Recently, subtyping of HLA‐DRB1*04 identified the HLA‐DRB1*0403 allele to be associated with protection in Caucasoids with the highest risk heterzygous genotype DQA1*0301‐DQB1*0302/DQA1*0501‐DQB1*0201. Some studies confirmed this finding, but other reports were not consistent with a dominantly protective trait. We here report the frequency of HLA‐DRB1*0403 in a large cohort (n=200) of Dutch patients with IDDM, their first‐degree family members (n=370), and random controls (n=420) of the general population in The Netherlands. We found that HLA‐DRB1*0403 is strongly associated with dominant protection against development of IDDM in unrelated subject, even in the context of the highest risk HLA‐DQ phenotypes and HLA‐DR4‐DQB1*0302 (P<0.0001).
Sequencing based typing for genetic polymorphisms in exons 2, 3 and 4 of the MICA gene
Authors: Katsuyama Y. , Ota M. , Ando H. , Saito S. , Mizuki N. , Kera J. , Bahram S. , Nose Y. , Inoko H.
Published: March 2003

We have established a sequencing based typing (SBT) method for detection of genetic polymorphism in the exon 2 to 4 domains of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain‐related gene A (MICA) and applied it to allele typing of 130 healthy Japanese individuals. A 2.2‐kb segment including exons 2, 3 and 4 of the MICA gene was amplified by a pair of generic primers followed by cycle sequencing using exon‐specific nested primers. In total, 8 alleles were observed in a Japanese population and the most frequent allele was MICA008 with the gene frequency of 30.8%. MICA009 was the second most frequent (16.5%), while the rarest one was MICA007 (1.2%). MICA alleles displayed strong linkage equilibria with HLA‐B antigens (i.e. MICA008 with B7, B48, B60 and B61; MICA009 with B51 and B52; MICA002 with B35, B39, B58 and B67; MICA004 with B44, MICA007 with B13 and B27; MICA010 with B46, B62 and B48, MICA012 with B54, B55, B56 and B59; MICA019 and B70, B71 and B62). Recently, the B48 haplotype has been reported to lack the entire MICA gene by a large‐scale deletion in a Japanese population. Among 8 serologically B48 homozygous individuals, 4 were found to represent this MICA null allele as assessed by no polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using MICA‐specific primers, while the remaining four possessed the intact MICA gene with MICA008 or MICA010.
Allele typing of human TNFA 5′‐flanking region using polymerase chain reaction‐preferential homoduplex formation assay (PCR‐PHFA): linkage disequilibrium with HLA class I and class II genes in Japanese
Authors: Matsushita M. , Tsuchiya N. , Nakayama T. , Ohashi J. , Shibue T. , Shiota M. , Oka T. , Yamane A. , Tokunaga K.
Published: March 2003

Tumor necrosis factor α plays a substantial role in a number of conditions such as inflammation, autoimmunity, insulin resistance and sleep. Three new single nucleotide polymorphisms, −1,031 T/C, −863 C/A and −857 T/C, were recently identified in the upstream 5′‐flanking region of TNFA in the Japanese population. In the present study, we developed polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐preferential homoduplex formation assay for the single‐step allele typing of TNFA, and determined the genotypes of 271 healthy unrelated Japanese individuals. Four haplotypes, −1,031/−863/−857 TCC, TCT, CAC and CCC, were found to constitute the majority, if not all, of the TNFA alleles of healthy Japanese population. These alleles were designated as TNFA‐U01, ‐U02, ‐U03 and ‐U04, respectively, in the order of frequency. Based on HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 genotypes together with TNFA genotypes, multi‐locus haplotypes were analyzed. Significant positive associations were observed between TNFA‐U01 and A*3303, B*5201, B*4403, B*4601, B*0702, DRB1*1502, DRB1*0101, DRB1*1302, between TNFA‐U02 and B*5401, B*3501, DRB1*0405, DRB1*0407, between TNFA‐U03 and B*4006, B*4002, DRB1*0803, DRB1*0802, DRB1*0403, DRB1*0901, and between TNFA‐U04 and B*4801. Four‐locus haplotype estimation revealed that A*3303‐B*4403‐TNFA‐U01‐DRB1*1302, A*2402‐B*5201‐TNFA‐U01‐DRB1*1502 and A*2402‐B*5401‐TNFA‐U02‐DRB1*0405 constitute major extended haplotypes in Japanese. Interestingly, TNFA alleles previously shown to have a higher promoter activity (U02, U03) were found to form haplotypes with certain DRB1 alleles associated with T helper 1 (Th1)‐dominant diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and Crohn’s disease in Japanese. In contrast, TNFA allele with a low promoter activity (U01) is in linkage disequilibrium with the DRB1 alleles associated with T helper 2 (Th2)‐dominant diseases such as atopic dermatitis and ulcerative colitis. These observations raise the possibility that TNFA upstream promoter region polymorphisms contribute to some of the HLA‐disease associations.
Mhc‐DQ‐DRB haplotype analysis in the rhesus macaque: evidence for a number of different haplotypes displaying a low allelic polymorphism
Authors: Khazand M. , Peiberg C. , Nagy M. , Sauermann U.
Published: March 2003

In the HLA‐DRB subregion of man, five major groups of haplotypes, often displaying a remarkable polymorphism, are distinguishable. The polymorphism is thought to be generated by point mutation, microgene conversion and gene rearrangement by recombination. In order to gain insight into the organization of the rhesus macaque major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region, DRB genes from monkeys of different origins previously typed for their DQ genes were analyzed. At first DRB haplotypes were deduced from DQ‐homozygous monkeys. The stability of these haplotypes was then examined in DQ‐heterozygous monkeys by sequence‐based typing for the presence of members of the DRB1*03 and DRB1*04 lineage, and for seven single alleles detected on the haplotypes. Six DRB haplotypes linked to the five most frequent and three haplotypes linked to less frequent DQ haplotypes were identified. Six novel DRB alleles were detected. The number of DRB genes per haplotype varied between two and four. The results altogether suggest that in rhesus macaques, in comparison to man, the DQ haplotypes are linked to only a small number of DRB haplotypes, the number and diversity of DRB haplotypes is larger, and the allelic polymorphism of a given haplotype is smaller. The diversity of the DRB haplotypes was partly due to the varying number and identity of genes linked to DRB1*03 and DRB1*04. Furthermore, the number of DRB1 genes themselves varied from zero to two.