bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite instability as prognostic marker in bladder tumors: a clinical significance
Authors: Vaish Minal , Mandhani Anil , Mittal RD , Mittal Balraj
Published: January 2005

Background

Carcinoma of urinary bladder is one of the leading causes of death in India. Successful treatment of bladder cancer depends on the early detection & specific diagnostic approaches. In the present study, microsatellite instability (MSI) has been evaluated as a prognostic marker in patients with superficial urinary bladder cancer in lower urinary tract for determining risk of recurrence.

Methods

A total of 44 patients with bladder tumors diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinomas [TCC] from lower urinary tract were selected for the study. Tumors were staged and graded according to AJCC-UICC (1997) classification and patients were followed with cystoscopy as per the protocol. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done to amplify microsatellite sequences at mononucleotide BAT – 26, BAT – 40, TGFβ RII, IGFIIR, hMSH3, BAX and dinucleotide D2S123, D9S283, D9S1851 and D18S58 loci in blood (control) and tumor DNA. PCR products were separated on 8% denaturing polyacrylamide gel and visualized by autoradiography.

Results

MSI was observed in 72.7% of tumors at BAT – 26, BAT – 40, D2S123, D9S283, D9S1851 and D18S58 loci. Good association of MSI was seen with tumor stage and grade. MSI – High (instability at > 30% of loci) was frequently observed in high stage (40.6%) and high grade (59.4%) tumors. Of 24 tumors of Ta-T1 stage with different grades, 11 (9/18 high grade and 2/6 low grade tumors) recurred in the mean duration of 36 months. MSI positivity was significantly high in patients who had one or more recurrences (p = 0.02 for high grade and 0.04 for low grade tumors).

Conclusions

MSI may be an independent prognostic marker for assessing risk of recurrence in superficial tumors irrespective of the grade. Further studies on progression would help in stratifying the patients of T1G3 for early cystectomy vs bladder preservation protocol.
Rapid, single-tube method for quantitative preparation and analysis of RNA and DNA in samples as small as one cell
Authors: Hartshorn Cristina , Anshelevich Aleksandra , Wangh Lawrence J
Published: January 2005

Background

Current methods for accurate quantification of nucleic acids typically begin with a template preparation step in which DNA and/or RNA are freed of bound proteins and are then purified. Isolation of RNA is particularly challenging because this molecule is sensitive to elevated temperatures and is degraded by RNases, which therefore have to be immediately inactivated upon cell lysis. Many protocols for nucleic acids purification, reverse transcription of RNA and/or amplification of DNA require repeated transfers from tube to tube and other manipulations during which materials may be lost.

Results

This paper introduces a novel and highly reliable single-tube method for rapid cell lysis, followed by quantitative preparation and analysis of both RNA and/or DNA molecules in small samples. In contrast to previous approaches, this procedure allows all steps to be carried out by sequential dilution in a single tube, without chemical extraction or binding to a matrix. We demonstrate the utility of this method by quantification of four genes, Xist, Sry and the two heat-inducible hsp70i (hsp70.1 and hsp70.3), as well as their RNA transcripts in single mouse embryos and in isolated blastomeres.

Conclusion

This method virtually eliminates losses of nucleic acids and is sensitive and accurate down to single molecules.
Immunolocalization of KATP channel subunits in mouse and rat cardiac myocytes and the coronary vasculature
Authors: Morrissey Alison , Rosner Erika , Lanning Jennifer , Parachuru Lavanya , Dhar Chowdhury Piyali , Han Sandra , Lopez Gwendolyn , Tong XiaoYong , Yoshida Hidetada , Nakamura Tomoe Y , Artman Michael , Giblin Jonathan P , Tinker Andrew , Coetzee William A
Published: January 2005

Background

Electrophysiological data suggest that cardiac KATP channels consist of Kir6.2 and SUR2A subunits, but the distribution of these (and other KATP channel subunits) is poorly defined. We examined the localization of each of the KATP channel subunits in the mouse and rat heart.

Results

Immunohistochemistry of cardiac cryosections demonstrate Kir6.1 protein to be expressed in ventricular myocytes, as well as in the smooth muscle and endothelial cells of coronary resistance vessels. Endothelial capillaries also stained positive for Kir6.1 protein. Kir6.2 protein expression was found predominantly in ventricular myocytes and also in endothelial cells, but not in smooth muscle cells. SUR1 subunits are strongly expressed at the sarcolemmal surface of ventricular myocytes (but not in the coronary vasculature), whereas SUR2 protein was found to be localized predominantly in cardiac myocytes and coronary vessels (mostly in smaller vessels). Immunocytochemistry of isolated ventricular myocytes shows co-localization of Kir6.2 and SUR2 proteins in a striated sarcomeric pattern, suggesting t-tubular expression of these proteins. Both Kir6.1 and SUR1 subunits were found to express strongly at the sarcolemma. The role(s) of these subunits in cardiomyocytes remain to be defined and may require a reassessment of the molecular nature of ventricular KATP channels.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data demonstrate unique cellular and subcellular KATP channel subunit expression patterns in the heart. These results suggest distinct roles for KATP channel subunits in diverse cardiac structures.
The association between clinical integration of care and transfer of veterans with acute coronary syndromes from primary care VHA hospitals
Authors: Sales Anne E , Pineros Sandra L , Magid David J , Every Nathan R , Sharp Nancy D , Rumsfeld John S
Published: January 2005

Background

Few studies report on the effect of organizational factors facilitating transfer between primary and tertiary care hospitals either within an integrated health care system or outside it. In this paper, we report on the relationship between degree of clinical integration of cardiology services and transfer rates of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients from primary to tertiary hospitals within and outside the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Transfer rates were obtained for all patients with ACS diagnoses admitted to 12 primary VHA hospitals between 1998 and 1999. Binary variables measuring clinical integration were constructed for each primary VHA hospital reflecting: presence of on-site VHA cardiologist; referral coordinator at the associated tertiary VHA hospital; and/or referral coordinator at the primary VHA hospital. We assessed the association between the integration variables and overall transfer from primary to tertiary hospitals, using random effects logistic regression, controlling for clustering at two levels and adjusting for patient characteristics.

Results

Three of twelve hospitals had a VHA cardiologist on site, six had a referral coordinator at the tertiary VHA hospital, and four had a referral coordinator at the primary hospital. Presence of a VHA staff cardiologist on site and a referral coordinator at the tertiary VHA hospital decreased the likelihood of any transfer (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27–0.77, and 0.46, p = 0.002, CI 0.27–0.78). Conversely, having a referral coordinator at the primary VHA hospital increased the likelihood of transfer (OR 6.28, CI 2.92–13.48).

Conclusions

Elements of clinical integration are associated with transfer, an important process in the care of ACS patients. In promoting optimal patient care, clinical integration factors should be considered in addition to patient characteristics.
Nutrition education: a questionnaire for assessment and teaching
Authors: Makowske Mary , Feinman Richard D
Published: January 2005

It is generally recognized that there is a need for improved teaching of nutrition in medical schools and for increased education of the general population. A questionnaire, derived in part from a study of physician knowledge, was administered to first year medical students in order to assess their knowledge of various aspects of nutrition and metabolism, and as a teaching tool to transmit information about the subject. The performance of first year students was consistent with a generally educated population but there were surprising deficits in some fundamental areas of nutrition. Results of the questionnaire are informative about student knowledge, and immediate reinforcement from a questionnaire may provide a useful teaching tool. In addition, some of the subject matter can serve as a springboard for discussion of critical issues in nutrition such as obesity and markers for cardiovascular disease. A major barrier to improved teaching of nutrition is the lack of agreement on some of these critical issues and there are apparent inconsistencies in recommendations of government and health agencies. It seems reasonable that improved teaching should address the lack of knowledge of nutrition, rather than knowledge of official guidelines. Student awareness of factual information should be the primary goal.
A remission spectroscopy system for in vivomonitoring of hemoglobin oxygen saturation in murine hepatic sinusoids, in early systemic inflammation
Authors: Wunder Christian , Brock Robert W , Krug Alfons , Roewer Norbert , Eichelbrönner Otto
Published: January 2005

Background

During the early stages of systemic inflammation, the liver integrity is compromised by microcirculatory disturbances and subsequent hepatocellular injury. Little is known about the relationship between the hemoglobin oxygen saturation (HbsO2) in sinusoids and the hepatocellular mitochondrial redox state, in early systemic inflammation. In a murine model of early systemic inflammation, we have explored the association between the sinusoidal HbsO2 detected with a remission spectroscopy system and 1.) the NAD(P)H autofluorescence (an indicator of the intracellular mitochondrial redox state) and 2.) the markers of hepatocellular injury.

Results

Animals submitted to 1 hour bilateral hindlimb ischemia (I) and 3 hours of reperfusion (R) (3.0 h I/R) exhibited lower HbsO2 values when compared with sham. Six hours I/R (1 hour bilateral hindlimb ischemia and 6 hours of reperfusion) and the continuous infusion of endothelin-1 (ET-1) further aggravated the hypoxia in HbsO2. The detected NAD(P)H autofluorescence correlated with the detected HbsO2 values and showed the same developing. Three hours I/R resulted in elevated NAD(P)H autofluorescence compared with sham animals. Animals after 6.0 h I/R and continuous infusion of ET-1 revealed higher NAD(P)H autofluorescence compared with 3.0 h I/R animals. Overall the analysed HbsO2 values correlated with all markers of hepatocellular injury.

Conclusion

During the early stages of systemic inflammation, there is a significant decrease in hepatic sinusoidal HbsO2. In parallel, we detected an increasing NAD(P)H autofluorescence representing an intracellular inadequate oxygen supply. Both changes are accompanied by increasing markers of liver cell injury. Therefore, remission spectroscopy in combination with NAD(P)H autofluorescence provides information on the oxygen distribution, the metabolic state and the mitochondrial redox potential, within the mouse liver.
Phase I vaccination trial of SYT-SSX junction peptide in patients with disseminated synovial sarcoma
Authors: Kawaguchi Satoshi , Wada Takuro , Ida Kazunori , Sato Yuriko , Nagoya Satoshi , Tsukahara Tomohide , Kimura Sigeharu , Sahara Hiroeki , Ikeda Hideyuki , Shimozawa Kumiko , Asanuma Hiroko , Torigoe Toshihiko , Hiraga Hiroaki , Ishii Takeshi , Tatezaki Shin-ichiro , Sato Noriyuki , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: January 2005

Background

Synovial sarcoma is a high-grade malignant tumor of soft tissue, characterized by the specific chromosomal translocation t(X;18), and its resultant SYT-SSX fusion gene. Despite intensive multimodality therapy, the majority of metastatic or relapsed diseases still remain incurable, thus suggesting a need for new therapeutic options. We previously demonstrated the antigenicity of SYT-SSX gene-derived peptides by in vitro analyses. The present study was designed to evaluate in vivo immunological property of a SYT-SSX junction peptide in selected patients with synovial sarcoma.

Methods

A 9-mer peptide (SYT-SSX B: GYDQIMPKK) spanning the SYT-SSX fusion region was synthesized. Eligible patients were those (i) who have histologically and genetically confirmed, unresectable synovial sarcoma (SYT-SSX1 or SYT-SSX2 positive), (ii) HLA-A*2402 positive, (iii) between 20 and 70 years old, (iv) ECOG performance status between 0 and 3, and (v) who gave informed consent. Vaccinations with SYT-SSX B peptide (0.1 mg or 1.0 mg) were given subcutaneously six times at 14-day intervals. These patients were evaluated for DTH skin test, adverse events, tumor size, tetramer staining, and peptide-specific CTL induction.

Results

A total of 16 vaccinations were carried out in six patients. The results were (i) no serious adverse effects or DTH reactions, (ii) suppression of tumor progression in one patient, (iii) increases in the frequency of peptide-specific CTLs in three patients and a decrease in one patient, and (iv) successful induction of peptide-specific CTLs from four patients.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate the safety of the SYT-SSX junction peptide in the use of vaccination and also give support to the property of the peptide to evoke in vivo immunological responses. Modification of both the peptide itself and the related protocol is required to further improve the therapeutic efficacy.
Gene expression profiling of melanoma cells – searching the haystack
Authors: Brafford Patricia , Herlyn Meenhard
Published: January 2005

Cancer is being increasingly recognized as a very heterogeneous disease, both within an individual tumor and within a tumor type and among tumor types. This heterogeneity is manifested both at the genetic and phenotypic level and determines the progression of disease and response to therapy. It is possible to see the heterogeneity in examples of differential disease progression and response to therapy of the same tumor type, as morphology does not always reveal underlying biology. The diagnosis of tumors by histopathological and morphological criteria cannot fully account for the variability seen in prognosis and therapy outcome. Here we review some recent concepts that have emerged from the genetic analysis of metastatic melanoma.
Construction of predictive promoter models on the example of antibacterial response of human epithelial cells
Authors: Shelest Ekaterina , Wingender Edgar
Published: January 2005

Background

Binding of a bacteria to a eukaryotic cell triggers a complex network of interactions in and between both cells. P. aeruginosa is a pathogen that causes acute and chronic lung infections by interacting with the pulmonary epithelial cells. We use this example for examining the ways of triggering the response of the eukaryotic cell(s), leading us to a better understanding of the details of the inflammatory process in general.

Results

Considering a set of genes co-expressed during the antibacterial response of human lung epithelial cells, we constructed a promoter model for the search of additional target genes potentially involved in the same cell response. The model construction is based on the consideration of pair-wise combinations of transcription factor binding sites (TFBS).

It has been shown that the antibacterial response of human epithelial cells is triggered by at least two distinct pathways. We therefore supposed that there are two subsets of promoters activated by each of them. Optimally, they should be "complementary" in the sense of appearing in complementary subsets of the (+)-training set. We developed the concept of complementary pairs, i.e., two mutually exclusive pairs of TFBS, each of which should be found in one of the two complementary subsets.

Conclusions

We suggest a simple, but exhaustive method for searching for TFBS pairs which characterize the whole (+)-training set, as well as for complementary pairs. Applying this method, we came up with a promoter model of antibacterial response genes that consists of one TFBS pair which should be found in the whole training set and four complementary pairs.

We applied this model to screening of 13,000 upstream regions of human genes and identified 430 new target genes which are potentially involved in antibacterial defense mechanisms.
Article processing charges, funding, and open access publishing at Journal of Experimental & Clinical Assisted Reproduction
Authors: Sills Eric Scott , Vincent Tina Thibault , Palermo Gianpiero D
Published: January 2005

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Assisted Reproduction is an Open Access, online, electronic journal published by BioMed Central with full contents available to the scientific and medical community free of charge to all readers. Authors maintain the copyright to their own work, a policy facilitating dissemination of data to the widest possible audience without requiring permission from the publisher. This Open Access publishing model is subsidized by authors (or their institutions/funding agencies) in the form of a single £330 article processing charge (APC), due at the time of manuscript acceptance for publication. Payment of the APC is not a condition for formal peer review and does not apply to articles rejected after review. Additionally, this fee is waived for authors whose institutions are BioMed Central members or where genuine financial hardship exists. Considering ordinary publication fees related to page charges and reprints, the APC at Journal of Experimental & Clinical Assisted Reproduction is comparable to costs associated with publishing in some traditional print journals, and is less expensive than many. Implementation of the APC within this Open Access framework is envisioned as a modern research-friendly policy that supports networking among investigators, brings new research into reach rapidly, and empowers authors with greater control over their own scholarly publications.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme 2003–2004
Authors: Harvey Ken J
Published: January 2005

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) grew by 8% in 2003–04; a slower rate than the 12.0% pa average growth over the last decade. Nevertheless, the sustainability of the Scheme remained an ongoing concern given an aging population and the continued introduction of useful (but increasingly expensive) new medicines. There was also concern that the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement could place further pressure on the Scheme. In 2003, as in 2002, the government proposed a 27% increase in PBS patient co-payments and safety-net thresholds in order to transfer more of the cost of the PBS from the government to consumers. While this measure was initially blocked by the Senate, the forthcoming election resulted in the Labor Party eventually supporting this policy. Recommendations of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee to list, not list or defer a decision to list a medicine on the PBS were made publicly available for the first time and the full cost of PBS medicines appeared on medicine labels if the price was greater than the co-payment. Pharmaceutical reform in Victorian public hospitals designed to minimise PBS cost-shifting was evaluated and extended to other States and Territories. Programs promoting the quality use of medicines were further developed coordinated by the National Prescribing Service, Australian Divisions of General Practice and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. The extensive uptake of computerised prescribing software by GPs produced benefits but also problems. The latter included pharmaceutical promotion occurring at the time of prescribing, failure to incorporate key sources of objective therapeutic information in the software and gross variation in the ability of various programs to detect important drug-drug interactions. These issues remain to be tackled.
Multilevel examination of minor salivary gland biopsy for Sjögren's syndrome significantly improves diagnostic performance of AECG classification criteria
Authors: Morbini Patrizia , Manzo Antonio , Caporali Roberto , Epis Oscar , Villa Chiara , Tinelli Carmine , Solcia Enrico , Montecucco Carlomaurizio
Published: January 2005

The recently observed low reproducibility of focus score (FS) assessment at different section depths in a series of single minor salivary gland biopsies highlighted the need for a standardized protocol of extensive histopathological examination of such biopsies in Sjögren's syndrome. For this purpose, a cumulative focus score (cFS) was evaluated on three slides cut at 200-μm intervals from each of a series of 120 salivary biopsies. The cFS was substituted for the baseline FS in the American–European Consensus Group (AECG) criteria set for Sjögren's syndrome classification, and then test specificity and sensitivity were assessed against clinical patient re-evaluation. Test performances of the AECG classification with the original FS and the score obtained after multilevel examination were statistically compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The diagnostic performance of AECG classification significantly improved when the cFS was entered in the AECG classification; the improvement was mostly due to increased specificity in biopsies with a baseline FS ≥ 1 but <2. The assessment of a cFS obtained at three different section levels on minor salivary gland biopsies can be useful especially in biopsies with baseline FSs between 1 and 2.
Endothelin-1 in osteoarthritic chondrocytes triggers nitric oxide production and upregulates collagenase production
Authors: Manacu Christina Alexandra , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Roy-Beaudry Marjolaine , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Fernandes Julio C , Shipkolye Fazool S , Mitrovic Dragoslav R , Moldovan Florina
Published: January 2005

The mechanism of endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, MMP-1 production and MMP-13 production was investigated in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes. The cells were isolated from human articular cartilage obtained at surgery and were cultured in the absence or presence of ET-1 with or without inhibitors of protein kinase or LY83583 (an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase and of cGMP). MMP-1, MMP-13 and NO levels were then measured by ELISA and Griess reaction, respectively. Additionally, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and phosphorylated forms of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, p44/42, stress-activated protein kinase/Jun-N-terminal kinase and serine-threonine Akt kinase were determined by western blot. Results show that ET-1 greatly increased MMP-1 and MMP-13 production, iNOS expression and NO release. LY83583 decreased the production of both metalloproteases below basal levels, whereas the inhibitor of p38 kinase, SB202190, suppressed ET-1-stimulated production only. Similarly, the ET-1-induced NO production was partially suppressed by the p38 kinase inhibitor and was completely suppressed by the protein kinase A kinase inhibitor KT5720 and by LY83583, suggesting the involvement of these enzymes in relevant ET-1 signalling pathways. In human osteoarthritis chondrocytes, ET-1 controls the production of MMP-1 and MMP-13. ET-1 also induces NO release via iNOS induction. ET-1 and NO should thus become important target molecules for future therapies aimed at stopping cartilage destruction.
High-resolution optical coherence tomographic imaging of osteoarthritic cartilage during open knee surgery
Authors: Li Xingde , Martin Scott , Pitris Costas , Ghanta Ravi , Stamper Debra L , Harman Michelle , Fujimoto James G , Brezinski Mark E
Published: January 2005

This study demonstrates the first real-time imaging in vivo of human cartilage in normal and osteoarthritic knee joints at a resolution of micrometers, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This recently developed high-resolution imaging technology is analogous to B-mode ultrasound except that it uses infrared light rather than sound. Real-time imaging with 11-μm resolution at four frames per second was performed on six patients using a portable OCT system with a handheld imaging probe during open knee surgery. Tissue registration was achieved by marking sites before imaging, and then histologic processing was performed. Structural changes including cartilage thinning, fissures, and fibrillations were observed at a resolution substantially higher than is achieved with any current clinical imaging technology. The structural features detected with OCT were evident in the corresponding histology. In addition to changes in architectural morphology, changes in the birefringent or the polarization properties of the articular cartilage were observed with OCT, suggesting collagen disorganization, an early indicator of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, this study supports the hypothesis that polarization-sensitive OCT may allow osteoarthritis to be diagnosed before cartilage thinning. This study illustrates that OCT, which can eventually be developed for use in offices or through an arthroscope, has considerable potential for assessing early osteoarthritic cartilage and monitoring therapeutic effects for cartilage repair with resolution in real time on a scale of micrometers.
Down-regulation of normal human T cell blast activation: roles of APO2L/TRAIL, FasL, and c- FLIP, Bim, or Bcl-x isoform expression
Authors: Bosque Alberto , Pardo Julián , Martínez-Lorenzo Mª José , Iturralde María , Marzo Isabel , Piñeiro Andrés , Alava Mª Angeles , Naval Javier , Anel Alberto
Published: January 2005

A systematic study was undertaken to characterize the role of APO 2 ligand/tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (APO2L/TRAIL) and Fas ligand (FasL) together with the expression of several anti- or proapoptotic proteins in the down-regulation of normal human T cell responses. We have observed for the first time that the higher sensitivity of normal human T cell blasts to apoptosis and activation-induced cell death (AICD) as compared with naïve T cells correlates with the increased expression of Bcl-x short (Bcl-xS) and Bim. T cell blasts die in the absence of interleukin 2 (IL-2) with no additional effect of death receptor ligation. In the presence of IL-2, recombinant APO2L/TRAIL or cytotoxic anti-Fas monoclonal antibodies induce rather inhibition of IL-2-dependent growth and not cell death on normal human T cell blasts. This observation is of physiological relevance, as supernatants from T cell blasts, pulse-stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or through CD3 or CD59 ligation and containing bioactive APO2L/TRAIL and/or FasL expressed on microvesicles or direct CD3 or CD59 ligation, had the same effect. Cell death was only observed in the presence of cycloheximide or after a pulse through CD3 or CD59, correlating with a net reduction in cellular Fas-associated death domain-like IL-1β-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein long (c-FLIPL) and c-FLIPS expression. We also show that death receptor and free radical generation contribute, at least partially, to AICD induced by PHA and also to the inhibition of IL-2-dependent cell growth by CD3 or CD59 ligation. Finally, we have also shown that T cell blasts surviving PHA-induced AICD are memory CD44high cells with increased c-FLIPS and Bcl-xL expression.
‘Sustainability’ in ecological economics, ecology and livelihoods: a review
Authors: Sneddon Christopher S.
Published: January 2005

This article reviews the work of several sets of researchers prominent in current debates over how sustainability might be interpreted and achieved. The notion of ‘sustainable development’ has reached a conceptual dead-end. Geographers may offer more effective investigations and critiques of socioecological transformations by instead focusing on ‘sustainability’ and its application to multiple dimensions of human and nonhuman processes. Such a move within geography demands critical engagement with ongoing debates in ecological economics, the ecological sciences and social applications of sustainability. Geographers are well positioned to address crucial gaps in these fields of inquiry and to propel debates over sustainability in several fruitful directions.
For ethnography
Authors: Herbert Steve
Published: January 2005

Ethnography is an underused methodology in geography. This neglect is especially injurious to the discipline because ethnography provides unreplicable insight into the processes and meanings that sustain and motivate social groups. These processes and meanings vary across space, and are central to the construction and transformation of landscapes; they are both place-bound and place-making. Ethnography's potential contribution to geography is thus profound. The aversion to ethnography may derive from three major criticisms frequently directed toward it: that it is unscientific; that it is too limited to enable generalization; and that it fails to consider its inherent representational practices. Considered responses to these critiques, however, restore ethnography's significance for geographic study.
Postcolonial geographies: an exploratory essay
Authors: Sidaway James D.
Published: January 2005

This article is about debates concerning the ‘postcolonial’. The term bears a variety of inter-related sets of meanings. In the first place ‘postcolonial’ has been used in reference to a condition that succeeds colonial rule. But ‘postcolonial’ also signifies a set of theoretical perspectives. Mindful of this diversity, I present a tentative and speculative geography of the varied and complicated senses (and non-senses) of the conditions and approaches purported to be described by the term.
Nanocrystals of Coordination Polymers
Authors: Uemura Takashi , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: January 2005

This review highlights the recent progress of nanosize crystals based on coordination polymers (CP). Development of synthetic method with controllable size and shape in nanometer regime as well as understanding of size and surface effects of the CP nanocrystals is urgently requisite on behalf of future application of them to new organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials.
Conversion of Conventional NiO Powders into Nanostructures by a Simple Chemical Method
Authors: Qi Jian Quan , Zhang Ting , Lu Mei , Wang Yu , Chen Wan Ping , Li Long Tu , Chan Helen Lai Wah
Published: January 2005

We report the synthesis of nanostructured nickel oxide and nickel hydroxide from conventional NiO powders onto different substrates by a chemical method which simply involves dissolving and decomposition steps. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations have revealed various morphologies of the nanostructures on different substrates. With the described method, no impurity residue will remain on the substrates, hence requiring no additional washing and separation processing.
Synthesis of Large-Pore Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica (PMO) with Bicontinuous Cubic Structure of Ia–3d Symmetry
Authors: Zhang Zhendong , Yan Xiaoxia , Tian Bozhi , Shen Shaodian , Chen Dehong , Zhu Guangshan , Qiu Shilun , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: January 2005

Ordered three-dimensional (3-D) bicontinuous cubic Ia–3d-type periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) with large pore size ( >6 nm) has been synthesized by using triblock copolymer P123 as a template and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane as an organically bridged silica source.
Synthesis and Characterization of Single Crystal α-Fe2O3 Nanobelts
Authors: Wang Hongzhe , Zhang Xingtang , Liu Bing , Zhao Huiling , Li Yuncai , Huang Yabin , Du Zuliang
Published: January 2005

Single crystal nanobelts of hematite (α-Fe2O3) with narrow width distribution centered at 230 nm and length up to several microns have been prepared in NaCl flux using a simple solid-state reaction. Characterizations show that the as-prepared nanobelts are single-crystalline.
Oscillation in a SnO2 Semiconductor Gas Sensor Exposed to Benzyl Alcohol
Authors: Nakata Satoshi , Okunishi Hirokazu , Nakashima Yusuke , Mori Toshiaki
Published: January 2005

The oscillatory phenomenon in a SnO2 semiconductor gas sensor exposed to benzyl alcohol vapor is reported. The rhythmic oscillation of sensor conductance maintained for 2 h, and the amplitude and frequency changed depending on the sensor temperature and the concentration of benzyl alcohol vapor. The existence of two different stationary conductance levels depending on the sensor temperature plays an important role in this oscillation.
Ruthenium Catalyzed Deuterium Labelling of α-Carbon in Primary Alcohol and Primary/Secondary Amine in D2O
Authors: Takahashi Masaaki , Oshima Koichiro , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: January 2005

Primary alcohols and primary/secondary amines are labelled with D atom at α-position regioselectively by means of deuterium oxide and ruthenium catalyst.
A Simple and Convenient Manganese Dioxide Oxidation of Benzyl Halides to Aromatic Aldehydes under Neutral Condition
Authors: Goswami Shyamaprosad , Jana Subrata , Dey Swapan , Adak Avijit Kumar
Published: January 2005

A simple, convenient and inexpensive benzylic oxidation reaction of arylmethylhalides under neutral conditions by manganese dioxide to the corresponding aldehydes has been described.
Photoinduced Transformation of Silicone-modified TiO2
Authors: Nakabayashi Akira , Kondo Junko N , Hara Michikazu , Domen Kazunari
Published: January 2005

Silicone-modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) was prepared by solid–liquid reaction between TiO2 powder and H-siloxane. The surface energy of the synthesized powder was found to increase upon irradiation, an effect that was determined through electron spin resonance and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance studies to be due to photocatalytic oxidation of the silicone present on the TiO2.
Au/Rh Nanoparticles Synthesized under High Temperatures and High Pressures
Authors: Ueji Masaki , Harada Masafumi , Kimura Yoshifumi
Published: January 2005

Small size gold (Au) and rhodium (Rh) nanoparticles have been produced by flowing the solution containing Au(III) and Rh(III) ions with poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) through a high-temperature and high-pressure reactor. Au, mostly monometallic, particles (7.5 nm) are produced together with the smaller Rh nanoparticles (2.5 nm) within a few seconds, of which the structure and sizes are identified by the transmission electron micrograph (TEM) images and the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS).
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Glucose at Carbon Electrodes Modified with Gold and Gold–Platinum Alloy Nanoparticles in an Alkaline Solution
Authors: Tominaga Masato , Shimazoe Toshihiro , Nagashima Makoto , Taniguchi Isao
Published: January 2005

The electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in an alkaline solution was examined using gold and gold–platinum alloy nanoparticles as catalysts. In electrolysis, the catalytic activity for oxidation of glucose could be kept much longer time at gold nanoparticle-modified electrode than at a gold plate electrode. Preliminary electrolysis results at 0.3 V indicated that current efficiency for oxalate as 18-electron oxidation product at gold nanoparticle-modified electrode was approximately twice higher than that at gold–platinum alloy nanoparticle-modified electrode.
Efficient Incorporation of Metal Oxides into Neutral Surfactants-templated Mesoporous Silicas
Authors: Chao Man Chien , Lin Hong Ping , Cheng Bo Wen , Cheng Chi Feng
Published: January 2005

We provided a two-step synthetic method for convenient and efficient incorporation of metal oxides into the mesoporous silicas templated with neutral surfactants at room temperature.
A Novel Seeding Growth Route to Synthesize Uniform Pt Clusters within Mesoporous Silica by Non-aqueous Electroless Deposition
Authors: Li Hua , Shi Jian-lin , Li Liang , Gu Jin-lou , Zhang Ling-xia , Chen Hang-rong , Shi Wei
Published: January 2005

Uniform Pt nanoclusters with diameters around 6–7 nm have been synthesized within mesochannels of SBA-15 by non-aqueous electroless deposition. The result shows that non-aqueous electroless deposition combined with in situ reduction is an efficient method for preparing well-confined noble metal nanoclusters without post heat-treatment.
Single-crystalline CuO Nanosheets Synthesized from a Layered Precursor
Authors: Liang Zhen-Hua , Zhu Ying-Jie
Published: January 2005

Single-crystalline CuO nanosheets with the monoclinic structure have been successfully prepared from a layered precursor (copper(II) acetate hydroxide) in aq NaOH solution by microwave heating or hydrothermal method at 100–200 °C. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED).
One-pot Synthesis of β-Lactams from Aldimines and Ketene Silyl Acetals by Tandem Lewis Base-catalyzed Mannich-type Addition and Cyclization
Authors: Takahashi Eiki , Fujisawa Hidehiko , Yanai Toshiharu , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: January 2005

An efficient method for one-pot synthesis of β-lactams from aldimines and ketene silyl acetals by tandem Lewis base-catalyzed Mannich-type addition and cyclization, namely reaction of benzylideneanilines and trimethylsilyl enolates derived from esters or thioesters was established by using a Lewis base catalyst such as lithium acetate, N-lithio-2-pyrrolidone, potassium salt of phthalimide or lithium methoxide in DMF at room temperature to afford the corresponding β-lactams in good to high yields with moderate trans-selectivities.
Adsorption of Di-n-butyl Phthalate by Chitosan Beads Modified with Water-soluble Calixarenes
Authors: Yanagi Akihiro , Otsuka Hideyuki , Takahara Atsushi
Published: January 2005

The binding ability of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) by p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes {SCAn (n = 4, 6, 8)} and adsorption ability of DBP by chitosan beads modified with SCAn were investigated. SCA6 and SCA8 could include DBP in their hydrophobic cavities in aqueous phase. The amount of DBP adsorbed by chitosan beads modified with SCA6 was approximately 5 times as large as that for unmodified chitosan beads.
MCM-41 Supported Water-soluble TPPTS–Rh Complex in Ionic Liquids: A New Robust Catalyst for Olefin Hydroformylation
Authors: Yang Yong , Lin Haiqiang , Deng Changxi , She Jiarong , Yuan Youzhu
Published: January 2005

MCM-41 mesoporous silicas-supported water-soluble TPPTS–Rh complex in the ionic liquid TMGL exhibited high performance and stability for the hydroformylation of 1-hexene, and the catalyst system could be reused many times without reducing the activity and selectivity.
Sonochemical Syntheses and Catalytic Properties of Oxide and Carbide Nanocomposites on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Park Hyelim , Kim Min-Hye , Hwang Young Kyu , Chang Jong-San , Kwon Young-Uk
Published: January 2005

Sonochemical decomposition of molybdenum and tungsten carbonyls in the presence of carbon nanotubes followed by heat treatments under various conditions produced nanocomposites of oxides and carbides on carbon nanotube supports; the synthesis of tungsten carbide nanoparticles is unprecedented.
Growth of Fluorocarbon Macromolecules in a Gas Phase (I). Mass Spectrometric Investigation of Products in the Downstream Region of Ar/CF4 Plasmas
Authors: Furuya Kenji , Yukita Shinobu , Okumura Hiroshi , Harata Akira
Published: January 2005

The growth of gaseous neutral species and positive ions was investigated in the downstream region of Ar/CF4 plasmas by mass spectrometry. As a result, there were several series of CnF2n+1+ (n = 1–7), CnF2n−1+ (n = 3–8) and CnF2n−3+ (n = 4–9) for the positive ions and CnF2n+2 (n = 2–7) and CnF2n (n = 4–8) for the neutral species. The intensity dependence of the positive ions on the partial pressure of CF4 was quite different from that of the neutral species, demonstrating that their growth mechanisms are independent of each other.
A Simple Method for Covalent Immobilization of Proteins on Porous Silicon Surfaces
Authors: Xia Bing , Li Jun , Xiao Shou-Jun , Guo Dong-Jie , Wang Jing , Pan Yi , You Xiao-Zeng
Published: January 2005

Biomolecules can be covalently grafted onto the hydride-terminated porous silicon surface through a simple three-step method: amino-silanization, attachment of succinimidyl ester, and finally immobilization of a fluoresein-labeled IgG. And each surface is characterized with transmission infrared Fourier-transform and photoluminescence spectroscopy.
Preparation of Nano-films by in situ Polymerization of Hydrogen-bonded Macroclusters of N-isopropylacrylamide on Silica Surfaces
Authors: Zhong Guolun , Mizukami Masashi , Fukuchi Isao , Miyahara Takashi , Kurihara Kazue
Published: January 2005

The in situ photopolymerization hydrogen-bonded molecular macroclusters of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) formed on silica surfaces in chloroform was performed for generating polymeric nano-films. The ATR–FTIR spectra showed that the structure of NIPAAm underwent a transformation from trans- to cis-stereoisomer during polymerization. Changes in the contact angle at temperatures below and above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) were observed at 35° and 62°, respectively.
Effect of a Small Amount of Zirconia Additive on the Activity and Stability of Iron Oxide during Repeated Redox Cycles
Authors: Urasaki Kohei , Sekine Yasushi , Tanimoto Naoshi , Tamura Eri , Kikuchi Eiichi , Matsukata Masahiko
Published: January 2005

Addition of an exceedingly small amount of zirconia onto iron oxide enhanced the activity for hydrogen production by the oxidation of partially reduced iron oxide. Sintering of iron oxide was also suppressed.
Encapsulation of Ferritin within a Hollow Cylinder of Glycolipid Nanotubes
Authors: Yui Hiroharu , Shimizu Yoshiki , Kamiya Shoko , Yamashita Ichiro , Masuda Mitsutoshi , Ito Kohzo , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: January 2005

The iron storage protein, ferritin, was encapsulated into a one-dimensional hollow cylinder of a glycolipid nanotube (LNT), which was obtained by the self-assembly of synthetic glycolipid molecules in water under ambient conditions. This report gives the first example of protein encapsulation into a synthetic LNT.
Applying a Spray-jet Method for Measuring Naphthalene Derivatives by Nanosecond Laser MPI TOF-MS
Authors: Shinohara Hidenori , Yamada Toshiki , Ge Maofa , Kimura Katsumi , Mashiko Shinro
Published: January 2005

A molecular-beam apparatus with a spray-jet method was applied for the laser TOF-MS study of naphthalene derivatives, 2-naphthoic acid (2NA), and 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN). The results obtained by this method are compared with those obtained by the traditional sample-heating inlet method. The spray-jet method strongly improved the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), compared to the traditional method. In addition, the intermolecular clusters due to hydrogen-bond formation were observed in case of the DHN system.
An Efficient PMo11VVO404−/Silica Material Having Cationic Ammonium Moiety: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Performance for Oxidation of Alcohols with Dioxygen
Authors: Kato Chika N , Tanabe Akiko , Negishi Satoshi , Goto Kazuhiro , Nomiya Kenji
Published: January 2005

A novel method for grafting transition metal-substituted polyoxometalates (TMSP) onto a modified silica surface was found. Keggin-type vanadium(V)-substituted polyoxomolybdate, [PMo11VVO40]4− (PMoV), was electostatically anchored to a modified silica surface having cationic ammonium moiety. The PMoV-grafted silica material exhibited activities that were higher than those of homogeneous PMoV reactions for oxidation of various alcohols with 1-atm dioxygen in the presence of isobutyraldehyde (IBA).
Guidance on the transport of laboratory animals
Authors: Swallow Jeremy , Anderson David , Buckwell Anthony C , Harris Tim , Hawkins Penny , Kirkwood James , Lomas Mike , Meacham Steve , Peters Alan , Prescott Mark , Owen Steve , Quest Robert , Sutcliffe Roy , Thompson Kirk
Published: January 2005

Report of the Transport Working Group established by the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA)
Assessment of the use of two commercially available environmental enrichments by laboratory mice by preference testing
Authors: Van Loo Pascalle L.P. , Blom Harry J.M. , Meijer Margot K. , Baumans Vera
Published: January 2005

In the field of biomedical research, the demand for standardization of environmental enrichment for laboratory animals is growing. For laboratory mice, a wide variety of environmental enrichment items are commercially available. Most of these comply with the demands for standardization, hygiene and ergonomics. Whether these items also comply with their actual purpose, to enhance the well-being of the mice, is often not assessed scientifically. In this study, we tested the preference of mice for two commercially available nest boxes differing in shape and material: the Shepherd Shack/DesRes (SS/DR) and the Tecniplast Mouse House (TMH), in a simple preference test. To indicate strength of preference, both nest boxes were also tested against a highly preferred nesting material. Preference for the most preferred nest box was investigated further. Our results indicated a strong preference by mice for the SS/DR, but not for the TMH. Furthermore, nesting material was almost always combined with the SS/DR, but not with the TMH. More elaborate testing of the SS/DR in an automated preference test system confirmed that mice spent significantly more time in a cage in which an SS/DR is provided. Differences between both nest boxes are discussed with regard to their attractiveness to mice. It is also argued that enrichment should primarily be developed in concordance with the animals' needs prior to the marketing of enrichment tools.
Echocardiographic variables in healthy guineapigs anaesthetized with ketamine–xylazine
Authors: Çetin Nazmi , Çetin Ebru , Toker Melahat
Published: January 2005

Echocardiographic parameters were recorded, measured and statistically analysed on a population of 12 male Hartley albino guineapigs under ketamine–xylazine anaesthesia. Additionally, the effect of body weight on these parameters and the correlation between the parameters were assessed. The mean values of left ventricular internal diameter in end diastole (LVIDD), left ventricular internal diameter in end systole (LVIDS), interventricular septum thickness in diastole (IVSD), interventricular septum thickness in systole (IVSS), left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWD), left ventricular posterior wall thickness in systole (LVPWS), left atrial diameter (LA), aortic diameter (AO), left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) were measured or calculated as 6.85 ± 0.36, 4.35 ± 0.17, 1.75 ± 0.31, 2.26 ± 0.35, 2.28 ± 0.40, 2.80 ± 0.58, 4.95 ± 0.34, 4.65 ± 0.25 mm, 35.62 ± 2.62 and 70.87 ± 3.01%, respectively. A significant ( P <0.01) positive correlation to body weight was found with LVIDD, LVPWD, IVSD, aortic root diameter and LA. Significant correlation was also found between a number of echocardiographic parameters.
Short duration hyperbaric oxygen treatment effects blood flow in rats: pilot observations
Authors: Klemetti E. , Rico-Vargas S. , Mojon P.
Published: January 2005

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment has been found to improve healing in living tissues, especially those poor in oxygen. The effects of HBO have also been tested in rat experiments. However, oxygen partial pressure in rat's arterial blood is normally about twice that in humans. Disregarding this, a human HBO protocol has been applied in previous rat experiments with HBO. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a non-invasive means for measuring blood flow. Using LDF, we measured the blood perfusion rate in rats receiving HBO, according to a modified protocol, in a region of healing soft tissue with bone defect. The results indicate that, in rats, shorter HBO treatment with high O2 pressure can significantly improve the blood flow of healing tissues. In this study, an elevated blood perfusion rate was still evident 2 weeks after the ending of HBO therapy, which indicates improved revascularization in the wound area. A short HBO protocol would save time and effort in future HBO experiments on rats.