bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain amino acid metabolism and ketosis
Authors: Yudkoff Marc , Daikhin Yevgeny , Nissim Ilana , Lazarow Adam , Nissim Itzhak
Published: August 2002

The relationship between ketosis and brain amino acid metabolism was studied in mice that consumed a ketogenic diet (>90% of calories as lipid). After 3 days on the diet the blood concentration of 3‐OH‐butyrate was ∼5 mmol/l (control = 0.06–0.1 mmol/l). In forebrain and cerebellum the concentration of 3‐OH‐butyrate was ∼10‐fold higher than control. Brain [citrate] and [lactate] were greater in the ketotic animals. The concentration of whole brain free coenzyme A was lower in ketotic mice. Brain [aspartate] was reduced in forebrain and cerebellum, but [glutamate] and [glutamine] were unchanged. When [15N]leucine was administered to follow N metabolism, this labeled amino acid accumulated to a greater extent in the blood and brain of ketotic mice. Total brain aspartate (14N + 15N) was reduced in the ketotic group. The [15N]aspartate/[15N]glutamate ratio was lower in ketotic animals, consistent with a shift in the equilibrium of the aspartate aminotransferase reaction away from aspartate. Label in [15N]GABA and total [15N]GABA was increased in ketotic animals. When the ketotic animals were injected with glucose, there was a partial blunting of ketoacidemia within 40 min as well as an increase of brain [aspartate], which was similar to control. When [U‐13C6]glucose was injected, the 13C label appeared rapidly in brain lactate and in amino acids. Label in brain [U‐13C3]lactate was greater in the ketotic group. The ratio of brain 13C‐amino acid/13C‐lactate, which reflects the fraction of amino acid carbon that is derived from glucose, was much lower in ketosis, indicating that another carbon source, i.e., ketone bodies, were precursor to aspartate, glutamate, glutamine and GABA. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:272–281, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changing careers: the effects of social context
Authors: Higgins Monica C.
Published: August 2002

This paper investigates the social context in which career decisions are made. Results show that beyond individual‐level factors such as demographics and work history, individuals' decisions to change careers are socially embedded. Findings suggest that the greater the diversity of an individual's network of advisors, the greater the likelihood that an individual will change careers. In addition, this paper explores the mechanisms through which different subsets of advice relationships — instrumental versus psychosocial — affect the decision to change careers. Results show that the greater the diversity of an individual's set of instrumental relations, the greater the number of offers he or she receives during the job search process and, further, that the number of offers received is positively related to the likelihood of changing careers. The diversity of an individual's set of psychosocial relations was related to his or her confidence to overcome career obstacles. However, confidence was not, in turn, related to career change, counter to expectations. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shared cognition in top management teams: implications for new venture performance
Authors: Ensley Michael D. , Pearce Craig L.
Published: August 2002

This paper presents a study of two samples of new venture top management teams from the inc. 500. The research poses that shared strategic cognition is the outcome of group processes that occur during the development of strategy. Shared cognition in top management teams (TMTs) is the extent to which those mental models about strategy are shared. A theoretical frame is developed that links shared strategic cognition to group process and new venture performance. The results indicate that the group processes leading to the development of shared strategic cognition are more important than the outcome of shared strategic cognition in terms of predicting organizational performance. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the amount of low clouds in Estonia (1955–1995)
Authors: Keevallik Sirje , Russak Viivi
Published: August 2002

Based on data from 16 meteorological stations, trends in the amount of low clouds in Estonia have been investigated for the period 1955–1995. Analysis shows that the amount of low clouds has increased in March at all stations, in June at 12 stations and in September at eight stations. The amount of low clouds has decreased in May at seven stations and in October at five stations. Only trends that are significant at at least the 0.1 level were taken into account. Regression analysis shows that the increase in the amount of low clouds in March can be ascribed to changes in the frequencies of occurrence of European circulation patterns and/or to an increase in the amount of low clouds within the zonal circulation. Copyright © 2001 Royal Meteorological Society.
Sensitivity of the southern African circulation to dipole sea‐surface temperature patterns in the south Indian Ocean
Authors: Reason C. J. C.
Published: August 2002

Previous observational work suggests that when sea‐surface temperature (SST) is warm (cool) in the southwest Indian Ocean and cool (warm) in the southeast Indian Ocean, increased (decreased) summer rains may occur over large areas of southeastern Africa. In this study, an atmospheric general circulation model is used to investigate the sensitivity of the regional circulation and rainfall over southern Africa to these dipole SST anomalies in the subtropical south Indian Ocean. When the model is forced with positive SST anomalies in the west and negative SST anomalies in the east, increased rainfall occurs over southeastern Africa as a result of the enhanced convergence of moister than average air over the region. Enhanced evaporation occurs over the warm pole in the southwest Indian Ocean and this moist air is advected towards southeastern Africa as a result of the low‐pressure anomaly generated over this pole, which strengthens the onshore flow. Increased and more intense extra‐tropical cyclones occur to the southeast of South Africa, favourable for tropical–temperate trough formation. When the SST poles are reversed in sign, decreased precipitation occurs over southeastern Africa as a result of increased low‐level divergence of low‐level flow and this flow being drier than average. Weaker and fewer extra‐tropical cyclones occur southeast of South Africa in this case.

The model results are sensitive to the proximity of the southwest Indian Ocean pole to southeastern Africa. There is also sensitivity in the model low‐level wind changes and precipitation anomaly over low‐latitude southern Africa (but not over South Africa to any significant extent) to the presence or absence of the SST pole over the southeast Indian Ocean. Although the model resolution does not capture the details of the local SST and topographic gradients as well as one would like, the changes in model circulation and precipitation in the experiments with different SST anomalies are consistent with previous observational and theoretical work, hence increasing confidence in the robustness of the results. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society
Climatic implications of loess deposits from the Beijing region
Authors: Xiong Shangfa , Ding Zhongli , Liu Tungsheng
Published: August 2002

Variations in magnetostratigraphy, pedostratigraphy, grain size and magnetic susceptibility of the loess deposits near Beijing have been studied at two sections. The sections are about 400 km east of the main loess deposits in China, have a maximum thickness of 100 m and extend back to 1.1 Ma. The sequence consists of 14 loess–palaeosol couplets (S0‐S14), which correlate well with sequences in the Loess Plateau. Susceptibility records from the sites near Beijing are comparable to the Xifeng, Luochuan and Baoji sections located in the middle part of the Loess Plateau; however, the down‐core variations in the grain size in the Upper Lishi Formation exhibit some differences. The median grain size increases by about 25–30 µm from L4 to L2, with the sandy grains (>63 µm) increasing from 10–20 wt% to 40–50 wt% . This implies that the depositional environment of the dust sources in the Beijing loess section is different in some aspects from the Loess Plateau. The Beijing loess may have had a different dust source than the Loess Plateau. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assignment of the Raman‐active modes of the antitumor agent azathioprine by normal‐mode calculations
Authors: Vivoni Alberto , Chen Shi‐Ping , Qiao Zhuanhong , Hosten Charles M.
Published: August 2002

Azathioprine is a slow‐release prodrug of 6‐mercaptopurine and an established clinical agent for the treatment of human leukemias and other immunologically mediated diseases. The Raman spectra (1600–600 cm−1) of solid and solution azathiopurine were recorded and are presented along with results from normal‐mode calculations. The band assignments were derived from semi‐empirical and ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The ab initio calculations were performed with the restricted Hartree–Fock method and the semi‐empirical methods utilized the AM1, PM3 and MNDO‐d methods. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectra of R(PO3)3 metaphosphates (R = Ga, In, Y, Sm, Gd, Dy)
Authors: Ilieva Dora , Kovacheva Daniela , Petkov Christo , Bogachev Georgi
Published: August 2002

A series of R(PO3)3 (R = Ga, In, Y, Sm, Gd, Dy) metaphosphate crystals representing four different structural types were prepared and their vibrational spectra recorded. The distribution of internal and external chain modes was obtained taking into account the configuration (site symmetry) of the polyphosphate anions in the corresponding structures. The spectra presented reveal that the P—O− force constants are very sensitive to both the coordination of oxygen atoms and POP bond angles. The spectra of crystalline R(PO3)3 were compared with data for glassy metaphosphates. It was found that decreasing the size of R(III) cation leads to different structural effects in glasses and crystals of the same composition. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sodium selenate fertilisation increases selenium accumulation and decreases glucosinolate concentration in rapid‐cycling Brassica oleracea
Authors: Charron Craig S , Kopsell Dean A , Randle William M , Sams Carl E
Published: August 2002

Glucosinolates (GSs) are S‐containing compounds found in Brassica species and whose degradation products may provide protection against cancer. Sulphoraphane, a product of 4‐methylsulphinylbutyl GS degradation, is a particularly potent inhibitor of anticarcinogenic detoxification enzymes. Selenium also has anticancer properties, and consumption of plants containing Se may be an effective way to increase dietary Se. Since plant uptake of Se and S is competitive, GS synthesis may be affected by Se fertilisation. The objective of this study was to determine how Se fertilisation of rapid‐cycling B oleracea would affect Se and GS concentrations. Plants were grown in hydroponic solutions containing 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 6.0, 7.2 or 9.0 mg l−1 Na2SeO4. Mineral and glucosinolate concentrations were measured in shoots harvested just before anthesis. Total GSs decreased from 5.84 µmol g−1 (0.0 mg l−1 Na2SeO4) to 1.90 µmol g−1 (9.0 mg l−1Na2SeO4). Levels of 4‐methylsulphinylbutyl GS decreased 90% when Na2SeO4 fertilisation was increased from 0 to 1 mg l−1, and remained low at higher Na2SeO4 concentrations. Shoot Se concentration was undetectable at 0.0 mg l−1 Na2SeO4 and increased significantly with Na2SeO4 fertilisation. Although B oleracea may not simultaneously deliver high levels of dietary 4‐methylsulphinylbutyl GS and Se, levels of other GSs with anticarcinogenic benefits may be beneficial even with Se fertilisation.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Detection of anthocyanins from elderberry juice in human urine
Authors: Murkovic Michael , Mülleder Ursula , Adam Ulrike , Pfannhauser Werner
Published: August 2002

Anthocyanins are not only known because of their colouring properties but also for their strong antioxidative capacity. This study shows that anthocyanins from elderberry (Sambucus nigra) are excreted in human urine in low but detectable amounts. The total excreted amount after oral uptake of 500 mg of anthocyanins was between 5 and 14 µg when spray‐dried elderberry juice was ingested without any other nutrients except water. Additionally, within the small group of seven persons studied, two subgroups could be identified that showed significant differences in the excretion kinetics of the cyanidin derivatives. Within 1 h the first anthocyanins were excreted, with a maximum after 3–4 h and a decrease thereafter. The results indicate that anthocyanins from elderberry are incorporated and excreted in urine in their intact glycosidic forms.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of selenium spraying on green tea quality
Authors: Hu Qiuhui , Xu Jaun , Pan Genxing
Published: August 2002

This research was conducted to determine the effects of different selenium treatments on the sensory and chemical qualities of green tea harvested in the summer tea‐producing season. Green tea was produced from fresh tea leaves sprayed with sodium selenite or organically bound selenium solution. The results showed that the sweetness and aroma of green tea extracts were significantly increased and the astringent taste and bitterness were significantly reduced by selenium spraying during the summer tea‐producing season. Significant differences in astringent taste, bitterness and sweetness of green tea extracts were found between sodium selenite and organically bound selenium treatments. The total amino acid and vitamin C contents of green tea were significantly increased and the ratio of polyphenols and amino acids was significantly decreased by selenium spraying. The vitamin C content of green tea during storage was more stable as a result of selenium treatment. No significant difference was found between sodium selenite and organically bound selenium treatments. These results demonstrate that the sensory and chemical qualities of green tea were significantly improved by selenium spraying.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Optical coherence tomography monitoring for laser surgery of laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Shakhov Andrey V. , Terentjeva Anna B. , Kamensky Vladislav A. , Snopova Ludmila B. , Gelikonov Valentin M. , Feldchtein Felix I. , Sergeev Aleksandr M.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

The goal of this study is to apply a new bioimaging modality, the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), for intraoperative control in laser surgery of laryngeal carcinoma.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

We studied 26 patients with laryngeal carcinoma in situ and in T1, T2 stage. We used an endoscopic OCT device for imaging at a wavelength of 0.83 μm with the acquisition rate of approximately 0.5 frames/s for a single (200 × 200 pixel) tomogram. All patients were operated with a surgical YAG:Nd laser at two switchable wavelengths of 1.44 μm and 1.32 μm by laryngofissure, direct microlaryngoscopy, and fibrolaryngoscopy.

Results

Information on structural alterations in laryngeal mucosa to the depth of 2 mm, obtained by OCT, makes it possible to precisely locate tumor borders, thus giving an opportunity to control the surgical treatment of laryngeal carcinoma. The YAG:Nd laser scalpel with wavelengths of 1.32 μm and 1.44 μm is successful in surgical procedures both in open and closed larynx due to efficient coagulation and minimization of collateral tissue damage area. Combination of the two wavelengths in the single laser unit and intraoperative OCT monitoring result is a new modality for minimally invasive larynx surgery.

Conclusions

OCT is promising to become a new diagnosing method of laryngeal carcinoma and a tool for laser treatment monitoring. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;77:253–258. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fibrosarcoma in pediatric patients: Results of the Italian Cooperative Group studies (1979–1995)
Authors: Cecchetto Giovanni , Carli Modesto , Alaggio Rita , Dall'Igna Patrizia , Bisogno Gianni , Scarzello Giovanni , Zanetti Ilaria , Durante Gianfranco , Inserra Alessandro , Siracusa Fortunato , Guglielmi Maurizio
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

Fibrosarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma (STS) that has two peaks of incidence in pediatric patients: one in infants and young childern (infantile fibrosarcoma), another in older children (“adult type” fibrosarcoma). The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical features and the treatment results in patients affected by fibrosarcoma enrolled in two consecutive studies run by the STS‐Italian Cooperative Group (ICG) between 1979 and 1995.

Patients and Methods

Twenty‐five evaluable patients were grouped according the intergroup rhabdomyosarcoma staging (IRS) system: 12 Gr I, 5 Gr II, 8 Gr III. The cut‐off point between the two forms was considered the age of 2 years: 14 patients were affected by infantile and 11 by adult type of fibrosarcoma. The therapeutic guidelines were not strict and not different for the two forms: patients with initial macroscopic excision (Gr I–II) were given IVA or VAC; Gr III had VAC or VAIA and subsequent excision, if feasible. Radiation therapy (RT) was delivered in patients > 3 years with microscopic (42 Gy) and macroscopic (54 Gy) residuals.

Results

Thirteen patients are alive without evidence of disease: 10 in first complete remission (CR), 7 Gr I, 1 Gr II, 2 Gr III, 3 in second CR after local relapse (LR) (2 Gr I, 1 Gr II). Two Gr I patients are alive with metastatic relapse. Nine patients died: six of progressive disease (PD) (three Gr II, three Gr III), two because of a second tumor (one Gr I, one Gr III) and one because of other causes (Gr III). One Gr III patient was lost at follow up, 2 years from diagnosis. The 10 years overall survival (OS) is 67.4% and the progression‐free survival (PFS) is 52.2%. The OS for patients < 2 years is 78.6% (11 of 14), versus 51% for patients > 2 years (5 of 11).

Conclusions

The complete excision at diagnosis was the treatment of choice and was related to the best outcome. Microscopical residuals were difficult to treat with chemo‐radiotherapy in both forms of fibrosarcoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) obtained a partial remission (PR) only in three of eight cases, while no conclusions concerning the efficacy of CT for infantile forms are possible. Patients < 2 years had a better outcome than the older ones: most of them had a tumor on extremities which was excised at diagnosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;78:225–231. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of global and local sensitivity techniques for rate constants determined using complex reaction mechanisms
Authors: Scire James J. , Dryer Frederick L. , Yetter Richard A.
Published: August 2002

Many rate constant measurements, including some “direct” measurements, involve fitting a complex reaction mechanism to experimental data. Two techniques for estimating the error in such measurements were compared. In the first technique, local first‐order elementary sensitivities were used to rapidly estimate the sensitivity of the fitted rate constants to the remaining mechanism parameters. Our group and others have used this technique for error estimation and experimental design. However, the nonlinearity and strong coupling found in reaction mechanisms make verification against globally valid results desirable. Here, the local results were compared with analogous importance‐sampled Monte Carlo calculations in which the parameter values were distributed according to their uncertainties. Two of our published rate measurements were examined. The local uncertainty estimates were compared with Monte Carlo confidence intervals. The local sensitivity coefficients were compared with coefficients from first and second‐degree polynomial regressions over the whole parameter space. The first‐order uncertainty estimates were found to be sufficiently accurate for experimental design, but were subject to error in the presence of higher order sensitivities. In addition, global uncertainty estimates were found to narrow when the quality of the fit was used to weight the randomly distributed points. For final results, the global technique was found to provide efficient, accurate values without the assumptions inherent in the local analysis. The rigorous error estimates derived in this way were used to address literature criticism of one of the studies discussed here. Given its efficiency and the variety of problems it can detect, the global technique could also be used to check local results during the experimental design phase. The global routine, coded using SENKIN, can easily be extended to different types of data, and therefore can serve as a valuable tool for assessing error in rate constants determined using complex mechanisms. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 784–802, 2001
Saving the gash delta, Sudan
Authors: Kirkby J.
Published: August 2002

This article looks at a seasonal river flooded irrigation system in eastern Sudan called the Gash Delta. The Gash Delta, as an irrigation system, has been managed since the 1900s, firstly by the Anglo‐Egyptian colonial administration and currently by the Gash Delta Agricultural Corporation (GDAC). The Gash Delta supports a range of ethnic groups who have a diversity of production strategies, some of which are more successful than others. Since the 1980s, there has been a recognition of a breakdown of the irrigation system, illustrated by the declining surface areas available for agriculture and a general degradation of the physical production base. This has had negative impacts on the ethnic groups who rely on the Gash Delta for subsistence and livelihood. This paper examines the process of degradation and the looks at the possibility for rehabilitating the Gash Delta. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shape retention in porcine‐septal cartilage following Nd:YAG (λ = 1.32 μm) laser‐mediated reshaping
Authors: Gray Darren S , Kimball Joey A. , Wong Brian J.F.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective:

Photothermal heating of mechanically deformed cartilage accelerates stress relaxation and results in sustained shape change. In this study, shape retention was measured in Nd:YAG laser reshaped porcine septal cartilage.

Materials and Methods:

Specimens were laser reshaped either 4 (Group I) or 28 hours (Group II) following extraction from the crania. Specimens were bent into approximately semicircular shapes and irradiated half way between the endpoints of the semicircle. Resultant bend angle was calculated based on linear measurements. Shape retention was calculated by comparing resultant curvature with pre‐irradiation measurements.

Results:

Mechanical deformation alone resulted in initial bend angles varying from 188° to 229°. Resultant bend angles varied from 84° to 194° corresponding to shape retention varying from 58 to 75%. Non‐irradiated cartilage retained less than 46% of the original bend. Shape retention was greater in Group II, compared to Group I. In Group I, no cephalocranial difference in shape retention was observed, though in Group II greater shape retention was observed in rostral specimens.

Conclusion:

While laser heating does significantly reshape cartilage, clinical use of this technology will require “overbending” of the cartilage graft to compensate for this memory effect. The degree of overbending is likely to vary with cartilage type and location. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:160–164, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Xanthelasma palpebrarum: Treatment with the erbium:YAG laser
Authors: Borelli Claudia , Kaudewitz Peter
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

Xanthelasma palpebrarum presents a therapeutic and aesthetic challenge because of its high visibility and frequent rate of recurrence with a wide variety of treatments. Many patients are disappointed by an initial unsuccessful treatment and fail to return for further therapy until the skin problem has become quite conspicuous. A simple treatment with few side effects and good acceptance remains an important goal.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Fifteen patients with a total of 33 xanthelasma lesions, were treated by an erbium:YAG laser. The follow‐up period of observation was between seven and twelve months.

Results

All lesions were removed without hyperpigmentation or scarring.

Conclusions

The erbium:YAG laser represents an effective means for treating xanthelasmas with few side effects. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:260–264, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence in marketing channels: A sense‐making investigation
Authors: Hopkinson Gillian C.
Published: August 2002

The article compares cognitivist and constructionist approaches to organizational sense making. Following constructionist theory, linguistic analysis is applied to two narratives told by car dealers. The stories are about one incident in their marketing network. The narrative interpretation relates the degree of influence each narrator seeks to the way each makes sense of the network and constructs the network in their story. Whilst the article argues that structural factors in a network or channel and ways of sense making may be related, it highlights the importance to channel managers of an understanding of ways of sense making. Attempts to address actions within the channel must resonate with the existing sense making of channel actors. The contribution and the challenge of a sense‐making perspective to extant channel theory are discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The influence of gender on the new‐age elderly's consumption orientation
Authors: Sherman Elaine , Schiffman Leon G. , Mathur Anil
Published: August 2002

This article offers some fresh insights on the richness of cognitive age as it is implicitly embodied as part of the conceptual and operational definition of the New‐Age Elderly (and their counterpart—the Traditional Elderly). First, the research provides evidence of the reliability and validity of the NAVO scale, a relatively new measurement instrument, designed to identify the New‐Age Elderly consumer. Then, as an important piece of new learning, the article explores the influence of gender on older consumers' consumption orientations. Among other things, the research indicates that older women (as compared to older men) seem to be more price conscious and more responsive to retail special and incentives, that they are more adventurous, and that they generally possess more market‐relevant knowledge in the form of shopping smarts. Still further, the research reveals that both New‐Age Elderly men and New‐Age Elderly women tend to be more optimistic about their financial situations than their Traditional Elderly counterparts. The article ends by offering suggestions relevant to the need for specific future research, and the potential marketing strategy implications of the research. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Molecular characterization of the loss of p75NTR expression in human prostate tumor cells
Authors: Krygier Scott , Djakiew Daniel
Published: August 2002

The low‐affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75NTR is a 75‐kDa glycoprotein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and has been implicated in the induction of apoptosis in various tissues and cell lines. Immunohistochemistry on tissue sections from radical prostatectomies has shown that expression of p75NTR is limited to the epithelial cells. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses have also shown a progressive loss of p75NTR expression in prostate epithelial cells during the malignant progression of organ‐confined adenocarcinomas, with complete loss of expression in the naturally occurring prostate tumor cell lines DU‐145, PC‐3, LNCaP, and TSU‐pr1, which were derived from metastases. Reintroduction of p75NTR expression into the TSU‐pr1 tumor cell line was shown to reestablish the ability of these cells to undergo p75NTR‐mediated apoptosis. It is not known whether this loss of expression is due to deletion of part or the entire p75NTR gene or to other factors. Through the use of southern blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we showed that loss of p75NTR protein expression was not due to deletion or loss of the gene. Furthermore, through reverse transcription–PCR, RNase protection, and the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we showed that transcription of the p75NTR gene occurred in these prostate tumor cell lines. Finally, through transient transfection using two constructs of p75NTR, one containing the full 2‐kb 3′ untranslated region and one that contains only a few hundred bases of the 3′ untranslated region (UTR), we showed that the 3′ UTR may have a role in the loss of p75NTR expression in prostate cancer. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automated capillary liquid chromatography for high sensitivity amino acid monitoring
Authors: Boyd Brendan W. , Kennedy Robert T.
Published: August 2002

An automated method for determination of trace level amino acids in 2‐μL samples using on‐column sample preconcentration, gradient elution on 50‐μm inner diameter (i.d.) capillary columns packed with 5‐μm reversed‐phase particles, and electrochemical detection is described. The 50‐μm i.d. capillary columns were efficiently coupled directly to an autosampler without increasing zone dispersion by preconcentrating derivatized amino acids at the head of the capillary column and minimizing gradient dwell volume. Using this system, the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of retention time for a 16 component amino acid mixture were between 0.2 and 0.8%. Using an automated microinjection method, as little as 0.3 μL of derivatized sample was consumed to perform a 0.25‐μL injection with peak area RSDs of 3.0‐8.4%, allowing conservation of a majority of the derivatized sample for future analysis. Precision was improved to peak area RSDs of 1.8–4.1% when consuming 1.0 μL of sample per injection. Detection limits were <0.2 nM for most amino acids. The linear solvent strength theory was used to optimize the gradient and allowed resolution of 15 amino acids in 13 min. The final gradient separation was demonstrated to be selective for the neurotransmitter amino acids in the presence of 44 primary amines commonly found in physiological samples. The system was used to characterize amino acid secretion from single pancreatic islets of Langerhans under different physiological conditions with 2 min of temporal resolution. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 13: 24–32, 2001
Long‐term safety and efficacy of unilateral deep brain stimulation of the thalamus in essential tremor
Authors: Koller William C. , Lyons Kelly E. , Wilkinson Steven B. , Troster Alexander I. , Pahwa Rajesh
Published: August 2002

Our objective was to investigate the long‐term safety and efficacy of unilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the VIM nucleus of the thalamus in essential tremor. Forty‐nine patients were evaluated for DBS between December 1993 and March 1998. Tremor was assessed by a clinical rating scale at 3 and 12 months and then yearly. Three patients were not implanted, seven were explanted prior to 24 months, 11 were lost to long‐term follow‐up, and three died from unrelated causes. Twenty‐five patients were evaluated with follow‐up greater than or equal to 2 years. The last postsurgical follow‐up occurred on average 40.2 ± 14.7 months after surgery. Tremor scores were significantly improved with stimulation on at the long‐term follow‐up as compared to baseline. There was no change in tremor scores from baseline to long‐term follow‐up with stimulation off. There was no significant change in any stimulus parameters from 3 months to the long‐term follow‐up. Three patients had asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages and one patient had postoperative seizures. Stimulus‐related adverse reactions were mild and easily controlled with changes in stimulus parameters. Device‐related complications were common and required repeated surgical procedures. Unilateral DBS of the thalamus has long‐term efficacy in some patients for treatment of essential tremor. However, this therapy is compromised by loss of efficacy in some patients and device complications which increase the risk of additional surgical procedures. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Case of essential palatal tremor: Atypical features and remarkable benefit from botulinum toxin injection
Authors: Cho JinWhan , Chu Kon , Jeon Beom S.
Published: August 2002

We describe a 21‐year‐old man with essential palatal tremor. The patient had rhythmic contractions not only of tensor veli palatini but also of facial, lingual, temporalis, pharyngeal, and neck muscles. He had some voluntary control of palatal tremor and ear clicks. He was treated with 5 units of botulinum toxin‐A (BOTOX®) injected into each tensor veli palatini, and had complete resolution of all the symptoms.
Voluntary palatal tremor is associated with hyperactivation of the inferior olive: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Nitschke Matthias F. , Krüger Gunnar , Bruhn Harald , Klein Christine , Gehrking Eckart , Wessel Karl , Frahm Jens , Vieregge Peter
Published: August 2002

Voluntary palatal tremor in a patient with essential palatal tremor induced activation predominantly within regions corresponding to the inferior olive, adjacent brainstem, and dentate nuclei. Finger movements elicited only ipsilateral lobular cerebellar activation, suggesting a dysfunctional nuclear activation by palatal tremor. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Spontaneously changing muscular activation pattern in patients with cervical dystonia
Authors: Münchau A. , Filipovic S.R. , Oester‐Barkey A. , Quinn N.P. , Rothwell J.C. , Bhatia K.P.
Published: August 2002

The objective of this study was to determine stability of the neck muscle activation pattern in a given dystonic head position in patients with cervical dystonia (CD). We assessed 26 patients with CD and botulinum toxin (BT) treatment failure before surgical denervation. None of them had received BT injections for at least 4 months. To relate dystonic head position to underlying neck muscle activity, we used synchronised video and poly‐electromyographic (EMG) recording over a period of 10 minutes. The muscle activation pattern during constant (“stable”) maximal dystonic excursions was analysed. EMG data of nine patients was excluded from the analysis, as these patients had a constantly changing head position or marked head tremor. In the remaining 17 patients, who had a fairly stable dystonic position, muscular activation patterns during the recording spontaneously changed in nine (Group A) while in eight it remained stable (Group B). There was no significant difference in demographic variables between the two groups other than a male predominance in Group A. However, the retrospectively determined initial response to BT treatment (before BT treatment failure had occurred) was significantly worse in Group A as compared with Group B. Neck muscle activation patterns can spontaneously change in CD patients despite constant dystonic head position, implying an inherent variability of the underlying central motor program in some patients. This should be considered when BT treatment response is unsatisfactory, and should also be taken into account when interpreting results of EMG recordings of neck muscles in these patients. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Levodopa‐induced dyskinesias and continuous subcutaneous infusions of apomorphine: Results of a two‐year, prospective follow‐up
Authors: Kaňovský Petr , Kubová Dagmar , Bareš Martin , Hortová Hana , Streitová Hana , Rektor Ivan , Znojil Vladimír
Published: August 2002

Twelve patients with levodopa‐induced dyskinesias were treated with continuous subcutaneous apomorphine. A markedly significant reduction in peak dose dyskinesias occurred over a two‐year follow‐up. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society
Multi‐channel orbicularis oculi stimulation to restore eye‐blink function in facial paralysis
Authors: Somia Naveen N. , Zonnevijlle Erik D. , Stremel Richard W. , Maldonado Claudio , Gossman M. Douglas , Barker John H.
Published: August 2002

Facial paralysis due to facial nerve injury results in the loss of function of the muscles of the hemiface. The most serious complication in extreme cases is the loss of vision. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of single‐ and multiple‐channel electrical stimulation to restore a complete and cosmetically acceptable eye blink. We established bilateral orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) paralysis in eight dogs; the OOM of one side was directly stimulated using single‐channel electrical stimulation and the opposite side was stimulated using multi‐channel electrical stimulation. The changes in the palpebral fissure and complete palpebral closure were measured. The difference in current intensities between the multi‐channel and single‐channel simulation groups was significant, while only multi‐channel stimulation produced complete eyelid closure. The latest electronic stimulation circuitry with high‐quality implantable electrodes will make it possible to regulate precisely OOM contractions and thus generate complete and cosmetically acceptable eye‐blink motion in patients with facial paralysis. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 21:264–270 2001
Combined carotid arteries–aortic arch transplantation in rats: Development of a new microsurgical model
Authors: Zhang Xing‐Yi , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan , Wang Rong‐You
Published: August 2002

A new microsurgical model of combined carotid arteries–aortic arch transplantation in the rat is described. In this model, the combined carotid arteries–aortic arch were harvested and end‐to‐end anastomosed to the recipient's right carotid artery using a sleeve anastomosis technique. The total graft ischemia time and in particular the time required to perform the arterial anastomoses was significantly reduced. No surgical failure was encountered. Ten‐day graft patency was 100% (15/15). Our study results demonstrated that the sleeve anastomosis technique for combined carotid arteries–aortic arch transplantation in the rat is fast and easy to perform and has a high rate of success. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 21:325–328 2001
Retrospective of the replantation of severed limbs in the People's Republic of China: Current status and prospects
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chen Zhong Wei
Published: August 2002

Thirty‐eight years have past since Chinese surgeons first reported the successful replantation of a severed limb. The following article reports the current status of replantation surgery in the People's Republic of China, addresses issues of complex replantation and reconstruction of severed limbs, and discusses future prospects and implications for replantation microsurgery. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss Inc. MICROSURGERY 22:39–43, 2002 DOI 10.1002/micr.22007
A limiting absorption principle for scattering problems with unbounded obstacles
Authors: Bonnet‐Bendhia Anne‐Sophie , Tillequin Axel
Published: August 2002

A generalized mode matching method that applies to a wide class of scattering problems is developed in the time harmonic two‐dimensional Helmholtz case. This method leads by variational means to an integro‐differential formulation whose unknown is the trace of the field on an unbounded one‐dimensional interface. The well‐posedness is proved after a careful study of the rather original functional framework. Owing to a fundamental density result—based upon some properties of a singular integral operator similar to the Hilbert transform—the limiting absorption principle related to this original formulation is established. Finally, two other situations are emphasized. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coalescence and breakage processes
Authors: Walker Christoph
Published: August 2002

We extend a model for coalescence and breakage of liquid–liquid dispersions proposed by Fasano/Rosso. The main feature is that the experimentally observed fact of a maximal droplet mass is taken into account. Our model includes spontaneous breakage as well as collisional fragmentation. Existence and uniqueness of solutions is proved and the long‐time behaviour is investigated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Miniature orthogonal mode transducer with high isolation
Authors: Che Wenquan , Yung E. K. N. , Sha Kan , Wen Junding
Published: August 2002

Experimental results of a C‐band miniature orthogonal mode transducer (OMT) designed with the finite‐element method are presented. The VSWR characteristics are good; the isolation is rather high, which can reach 60 dB at some frequencies. Compared with the traditional OMT, the volume has been decreased by 20%. An efficient method has also been employed to adjust the center frequency within the range of 11.3%, which has been verified by experiments. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 1–3, 2002.
Slot‐coupled square microstrip antenna for compact dual‐frequency operation
Authors: Binoy G. S. , Aanandan C. K. , Mohanan P. , Vasudevan K.
Published: August 2002

A novel dual‐frequency design of a square microstrip antenna coaxially fed along the diagonal with a chip capacitor mounted at the bottom of the stub is introduced. This design provides enhanced area reduction and good cross‐polarization levels. The antenna design can be used as a compact antenna system where limited size is a major requirement. The details of the antenna design and experimental results are presented. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 7–9, 2002.
A microstrip patch resonator with a via connecting ground plane
Authors: Yan Zhongyou
Published: August 2002

A patch resonator with a via connecting ground plane is proposed and studied experimentally. The resonant frequency of this patch resonator is tunable up to about 34% by adjusting the via position in the center line. The lowest resonant frequency of this patch resonator has been reduced by more than 64% of the same size patch resonator without a via being used. The unloaded, radiation Q‐factors have been investigated due to the different positions of the via. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 9–11, 2002.
A novel architecture for dense wavelength‐division multiplexing/subcarrier multiplexing networks
Authors: Lin Wen‐Piao , Kao Ming‐Seng , Chi Sien
Published: August 2002

We propose and demonstrate a new survivable dense wavelength‐division multiplexing/subcarrier multiplexing (DWDM/SCM) network based on the star–bus–ring architecture (SBRA). This architecture ensures an OBI‐free optical network, and can serve tremendous subscribers. In addition, remote nodes and bidirectional wavelength add/drop multiplexers (B–WADMs) are designed by using simple optical switches to reconfigure the network under link failure. We further set up an experimental network to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed architecture. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 51–56, 2002.
Waveguide‐fed longitudinal slot array antennas: Fault diagnosis using measurements of input impedance
Authors: Rodríguez J. A. , Ares F. , Moreno E.
Published: August 2002

This communication presents a method of locating defective elements of longitudinal broadwall slot array antennas. The method assumes defects to consist of partial obturation of the slots, and is based on measurement of the input impedance of the antenna. A genetic optimization algorithm finds the configuration of defective elements that best corresponds to the measured impedance. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 200–201, 2002.
An iterative multiresolution approach for microwave imaging applications
Authors: Caorsi Salvatore , Donelli Massimo , Franceschini Davide , Massa Andrea
Published: August 2002

In this letter, an iterative method for microwave imaging applications is presented. According to an iterative multistep procedure, the object under test is located and successively reconstructed with an increasing accuracy. At each step of the multistep process, the center and the area (to which the scatterer belongs) of a reduced investigation domain are estimated. Then a finer resolution for the unknown dielectric profile is used only for the reduced searching region. The process is repeated until a “stationary” reconstruction is reached. The proposed approach is preliminarily assessed by means of data synthetically generated concerning a dielectric two‐dimensional scatterer. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 352–356, 2002.
Electromagnetic inversion of Ipswich objects with the use of the genetic algorithm
Authors: Zhou Yong , Ling Hao
Published: August 2002

The genetic algorithm is combined with a moment method solver to carry out the shape inversion of two‐dimensional metallic objects. The binary bitmap discretization is used in conjunction with geometrical median filtering to describe the shape of the object. Results of the shape inversion with the use of this algorithm are presented for several Ipswich objects based on measurement data. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 33: 457–459, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10349
Patch antenna size reduction by means of inductive slots
Authors: Reed S. , Desclos L. , Terret C. , Toutain S.
Published: August 2002

The present letter concerns the reduction of the global size of a patch antenna by the insertion of printed inductive elements. A transmission‐line model is established to relate to the TM100 mode and support the different elaborations of the reduced patch. The global reduction can reach 50% of the initial size. Along with the theory, a set of experiments have been made to validate the approach. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 29: 79–81, 2001.
Hepatic dysfunction in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission: Relation to hepatitis infection
Authors: Meir Hadir , Balawi Ibrahin , Nayel Hala , El Karaksy Hanaa , El Haddad Alla
Published: August 2002

Background

Viral hepatitis is a cause of hepatic dysfunction in children with ALL in remission during maintenance therapy is debated. The aims of the current study were (1) to explore the incidence of hepatic dysfunction in a group of children (Egyptian and Saudi) with ALL under maintenance therapy, (2) to study the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and/or C (HCV) infection and their contributions to chronic liver disease that might be induced by maintenance therapy.

Procedure

The current study included 105 children with ALL (54 Egyptian and 51 Saudi). All eligible patients had been on maintenance therapy for at least 12 months and all had serial assessments of liver function. These included determination of total bilirubin, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase. Markers for HBV and HCV including HBsAg, anti‐HBC, and anti‐HCV and for some patients HCV RNA by PCR were studied. Percutaneous liver biopsy was performed for a group of children.

Results

The prevalence of hepatitis infection (HBV and/or HCV) among Egyptian children was found to be high (43/54–80%). Only five Saudi children had evidence of exposure to HBV (5/51–9.8%), P<0.0001. During the period of study, 22 Egyptian patients vs. four Saudi patients (41 vs. 7.8%, P<0.0001) experienced at least one episode of elevation of liver enzymes, three times the upper limit of normal or more. Twenty‐six of the 48 patients (54%) with HBV and/or HCV infection had episodes of elevated liver enzymes, while there was no occurrence among the patients negative for HBV and HCV. In patients with HBV infection, the presence of HBsAg was strongly associated (100%) with elevated liver enzymes. Histopathologic examination of liver biopsies obtained from 35 patients revealed that all five patients negative for HBV and HCV had normal liver biopsies in spite of being under maintenance therapy.

Conclusions

In children undergoing treatment for ALL, elevations in liver enzymes may be primarily due to hepatitis viruses. However, maintenance therapy using known hepatotoxic drugs, may have additive deletrious effects. Liver enzymes are normalized in affected patients when maintenance therapy is temporarily suspended. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 36:469–473, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.