bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Mapping of Proteinase Activity with Emphasis on In Situ Zymography of Gelatinases
Authors: Frederiks Wilma M. , Mook Olaf R.F.
Published: May 2004

Proteases are essential for protein catabolism, regulation of a wide range of biological processes, and in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Several techniques are available to localize activity of proteases in tissue sections or cell preparations. For localization of the activity of matrix metalloproteinases, in situ zymography was introduced some decades ago. The procedure is based on zymography using SDS polyacrylamide gels containing gelatin, casein, or fibrin as substrate. For in situ zymography, either a photographic emulsion containing gelatin or a fluorescence-labeled proteinaceous macromolecular substrate is brought into contact with a tissue section or cell preparation. After incubation, enzymatic activity is revealed as white spots in a dark background or as black spots in a fluorescent background. However, this approach does not allow precise localization of proteinase activity because of limited sensitivity. A major improvement in sensitivity was achieved with the introduction of dye-quenched (DQ-)gelatin, which is gelatin that is heavily labeled with FITC molecules so that its fluorescence is quenched. After cleavage of DQ-gelatin by gelatinolytic activity, fluorescent peptides are produced that are visible against a weakly fluorescent background. The incubation with DQ-gelatin can be combined with simultaneous immunohistochemical detection of a protein on the same section. To draw valid conclusions from the findings with in situ zymography, specific inhibitors need to be used and the technique has to be combined with immunohistochemistry and zymography. In that case, in situ zymography provides data that extend our understanding of the role of specific proteinases in various physiological and pathological conditions. (J Histochem Cytochem 52:711–722, 2004)
Spain’s ‘new cinema’ of the 1990s
Authors: Jordan Barry
Published: May 2004

Alongside Alejandro Amenábar’s Los otros/The Others (2001), Santiago Segura’s Torrente, el brazo tonto de la ley/Torrente, the stupid arm of the law (1998) was one of the most spectacular commercial successes in Spain’s entire film history. In
an age of increasing American international hegemony (punctuated by recent remake fever and the success of Spiderman (Raimi, 2002) and now Hulk (Lee, 2003)), how do relatively marginal national cinemas survive and compete? More to the point, how do we account for Torrente’s
incredible national success, given that the main protagonist is a grotesque, parodic inversion of the American-cop super hero. This essay offers no definitive answers, rather a series of working hypotheses and pathways which deal with the film in relation to issues of genre, parody, the grotesque,
excess and ‘paracinema’.
Efficient T-Cell Surveillance of the CNS Requires Expression of the CXC Chemokine Receptor 3
Authors: Christensen Jeanette Erbo , Nansen Anneline , Moos Torben , Lu Bao , Gerard Craig , Christensen Jan Pravsgaard , Thomsen Allan Randrup
Published: May 2004

T-cells play an important role in controlling viral infections inside the CNS. To study the role of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 in the migration and positioning of virus-specific effector T-cells within the brain, CXCR3-deficient mice were infected intracerebrally with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Analysis of the induction phase of the antiviral CD8+T-cell response did not reveal any immune defects in CXCR3-deficient mice. Yet, when mice were challenged with LCMV intracerebrally, most CXCR3-deficient mice survived the infection, whereas wild-type mice invariably died from CD8+T-cell-mediated immunopathology. Quantitative analysis of the cellular infiltrate in CSF of infected mice revealed modest, if any, decrease in the number of mononuclear cells recruited to the meninges in the absence of CXCR3. However, immunohistological analysis disclosed a striking impairment of CD8+T-cells from CXCR3-deficient mice to migrate from the meninges into the outer layers of the brain parenchyma despite similar localization of virus-infected target cells. Reconstitution of CXCR3-deficient mice with wild-type CD8+T-cells completely restored susceptibility to LCMV-induced meningitis. Thus, taken together, our results strongly point to a critical role for CXCR3 in the positioning of effector T-cells at sites of viral inflammation in the brain.
Syntaxin-1A Is Excluded from Recycling Synaptic Vesicles at Nerve Terminals
Authors: Mitchell Simon J. , Ryan Timothy A.
Published: May 2004

At presynaptic terminals, intermixing during cycles of exocytosis and endocytosis challenges the molecular identity of the plasma and synaptic vesicle membranes. Although synaptic vesicle components are retrieved during recycling, the extent to which plasma membrane proteins enter the synaptic vesicle recycling pathway has not been examined. The target-SNARE (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) syntaxin-1 was shown previously to be present on putative synaptic vesicular membranes (Koh et al., 1993; Walch-Solimena et al., 1995; Kretzschmar et al., 1996), suggesting that syntaxin may cycle between the synaptic vesicle pool and the cell surface (Walch-Solimena et al., 1995). This implies that the molecular identity of the two membranes is not maintained during synaptic activity. Because the main role of syntaxin-1 is as a target-SNARE for vesicle fusion, appearance on synaptic vesicles could lead to futile interactions with vesicle-SNARE proteins. We investigated whether the subcellular localization of syntaxin-1A, tagged with the pH-sensitive fluorescent tag pHluorin, is regulated during neurotransmission using laser-scanning microscopy. We report here that syntaxin-1A is predominantly localized to the plasma membrane, with a small proportion present in an intracellular compartment with a lumenal pH consistent with synaptic vesicles. However, the internal fraction of syntaxin-1A is excluded from synaptic vesicles that undergo action potential-dependent recycling. These data indicate that the molecular identity of opposing exocytotic membranes is preserved by the sorting of syntaxin-1A from recycling synaptic vesicles.
Preferential Effects of the Metabotropic Glutamate 2/3 Receptor Agonist LY379268 on Conditioned Reinstatement versus Primary Reinforcement: Comparison between Cocaine and a Potent Conventional Reinforcer
Authors: Baptista Marco A. S. , Martin-Fardon Rémi , Weiss Friedbert
Published: May 2004

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been implicated in regulating anxiety, stress responses, and the neurobehavioral effects of psychostimulants. The present study sought to determine whether group II mGluR activation by the potent mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, (–)-2-oxa-4-aminobicylco hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY379268), antagonizes reinstatement of cocaine-seeking induced by cocaine-related stimuli and whether this effect extends to behavior induced by stimuli conditioned to a potent conventional reinforcer, sweetened condensed milk (SCM). Also, we tested whether the suppressant effects ofLY379268on conditioned reinstatement extend to the primary reinforcing effects of cocaine or SCM. Rats were trained to associate discriminative stimuli (SD) with the availability of cocaine or SCM versus non-reward and then subjected to repeated extinction sessions during which the respective reinforcers and SDwere withheld. Subsequent reexposure to the cocaine or SCM SD, but not the non-reward SD, produced recovery of responding at the previously active lever.LY379268(0.3–3.0 mg/kg, s.c.) dose-dependently attenuated recovery of cocaine seeking but reduced conditioned reinstatement by the SCM SDonly at the highest dose.LY379268did not alter responding reinforced directly by SCM, and only the highestLY379268dose reduced cocaine self-administration. The results suggest that the effects ofLY379268are selective for behavior maintained by cocaine as opposed to palatable conventional reinforcers. More importantly, the results show thatLY379268suppresses behavior motivated by stimuli conditioned to cocaine or SCM more effectively than consummatory behavior maintained by the unconditioned effects of these substances. As such, the results identify group II mGluRs as a pharmacotherapeutic target for craving and relapse prevention associated with cocaine cue exposure.
A Seed for Alzheimer Amyloid in the Brain
Authors: Hayashi Hideki , Kimura Nobuyuki , Yamaguchi Haruyasu , Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Yokoseki Tatsuki , Shibata Masao , Yamamoto Naoki , Michikawa Makoto , Yoshikawa Yasuhiro , Terao Keiji , Matsuzaki Katsumi , Lemere Cynthia A. , Selkoe Dennis J. , Naiki Hironobu , Yanagisawa Katsuhiko
Published: May 2004

A fundamental question about the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) concerns how toxic aggregates of amyloid β protein (Aβ) are formed from its nontoxic soluble form. We hypothesized previously that GM1 ganglioside-bound Aβ (GAβ) is involved in the process. We now examined this possibility using a novel monoclonal antibody raised against GAβ purified from an AD brain. Here, we report that GAβ has a conformation distinct from that of soluble Aβ and initiates Aβ aggregation by acting as a seed. Furthermore, GAβ generation in the brain was validated by both immunohistochemical and immunoprecipitation studies. These results imply a mechanism underlying the onset of AD and suggest that an endogenous seed can be a target of therapeutic strategy.
Serotonergic Regulation of Membrane Potential in Developing Rat Prefrontal Cortex: Coordinated Expression of 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT7Receptors
Authors: Béïque Jean-Claude , Campbell Brian , Perring Paul , Hamblin Mark W. , Walker Paul , Mladenovic Ljiljana , Andrade Rodrigo
Published: May 2004

The developing prefrontal cortex receives a dense serotonergic innervation, yet little is known about the actions of serotonin [5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] in this region during development. Here, we examined the developmental regulation of 5-HT receptors controlling the excitability of pyramidal neurons of this region. Using whole-cell recordings inin vitrobrain slices, we identified a dramatic shift in the effects of 5-HT on membrane potential during the postnatal developmental period. In slices derived from young animals [postnatal day (P) 6 to P19], administration of 5-HT elicits a robust depolarization of layer V pyramidal neurons, which gradually shifts to a hyperpolarization commencing during the third postnatal week. This progression is the result of coordinated changes in the function of 5-HT7and 5-HT2Areceptors, which mediate different aspects of the depolarization, and of 5-HT1Areceptors, which signal the late developing hyperpolarization. The loss of the 5-HT7receptor-mediated depolarization and the appearance of the 5-HT1Areceptor-mediated hyperpolarization appears to reflect changes in receptor expression. In contrast, the decline in the 5-HT2Areceptor depolarization with increasing age was associated with changes in the effectiveness with which these receptors could elicit a membrane depolarization, rather than loss of the receptors per se. Together, these results outline coordinated changes in the serotonergic regulation of cortical excitability at a time of extensive synaptic development and thus suggest a key role for these receptor subtypes in the postnatal development of the prefrontal cortex.
Development of GABAergic and Glycinergic Transmission in the Neonatal Rat Dorsal Horn
Authors: Baccei Mark L. , Fitzgerald Maria
Published: May 2004

Cutaneous spinal sensory transmission appears to lack inhibitory control in the newborn spinal cord, but the properties of GABAergic and glycinergic synapses in the neonatal dorsal horn have not been characterized. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from rat superficial dorsal horn neurons in spinal cord slices at postnatal day 0 (P0) to P2, P6–P7, and P13–P14 revealed an age-dependent increase in the frequency of spontaneous IPSCs, which were abolished by the GABAAreceptor (GABAAR) antagonist bicuculline between P0 and P7 but not at P14. GABAAR-mediated miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs), but not glycinergic mIPSCs, were present at birth, and GABA mIPSCs remained more frequent than glycine mIPSCs at all ages. Sciatic nerve stimulation resulted in IPSCs with both GABAergic and glycinergic components, although a larger contribution arose from GABAAreceptors at all ages. In gramicidin perforated patch-clamp recordings, exogenous GABA applications produced depolarization in 40% of neurons at P0–P2, but the reversal potential of GABA-evoked currents (EGABA) was consistently more negative than action potential threshold at this age. By P6–P7, GABA evoked only membrane hyperpolarization. The GABABR agonist baclofen elicited an outward current in all neurons with peak amplitudes observed by P6–P7 and abolished sciatic nerve-evoked monosynaptic glutamatergic EPSCs in all groups. The results show considerable postnatal development of inhibitory processing in the dorsal horn with GABAergic mechanisms initially dominant over glycinergic events. GABAAR-mediated depolarizations during the first postnatal week are likely to be important for the maturation of spinal networks but do not provide a major excitatory drive to the newborn dorsal horn.
Memory Reconsolidation and Extinction Have Distinct Temporal and Biochemical Signatures
Authors: Suzuki Akinobu , Josselyn Sheena A. , Frankland Paul W. , Masushige Shoichi , Silva Alcino J. , Kida Satoshi
Published: May 2004

Memory retrieval is not a passive phenomenon. Instead, it triggers a number of processes that either reinforce or alter stored information. Retrieval is thought to activate a second memory consolidation cascade (reconsolidation) that requires protein synthesis. Here, we show that the temporal dynamics of memory reconsolidation are dependent on the strength and age of the memory, such that younger and weaker memories are more easily reconsolidated than older and stronger memories. We also report that reconsolidation and extinction, two opposing processes triggered by memory retrieval, have distinct biochemical signatures: pharmacological antagonism of either cannabinoid receptor 1 or L-type voltage-gated calcium channels blocks extinction but not reconsolidation. These studies demonstrate the dynamic nature of memory processing after retrieval and represent a first step toward a molecular dissection of underlying mechanisms.
Infection with an Endemic Human Herpesvirus Disrupts Critical Glial Precursor Cell Properties
Authors: Dietrich Joerg , Blumberg Benjamin M. , Roshal Mikhail , Baker Jeffrey V. , Hurley Sean D. , Mayer-Pröschel Margot , Mock David J.
Published: May 2004

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), a common resident virus of the human CNS, has been implicated in both acute and chronic inflammatory–demyelinating diseases. Although HHV-6 persists within the human CNS and has been described to infect mature oligodendrocytes, nothing is known about the susceptibility of glial precursors, the ancestors of myelin-producing oligodendrocytes, to viral infection.

We show that HHV-6 infects human glial precursor cellsin vitro. Active infection was demonstrated by both electron microscopy and expression of viral gene transcripts and proteins, with subsequent formation of cell syncytia. Infection leads to alterations in cell morphology and impairment of cell replication but not increased cell death. Infected cells showed decreased proliferation as measured by bromodeoxyuridine uptake, which was confirmed by blunting of the cell growth rate of infected cells compared with uninfected controls over time. The detailed analysis using novel, fluorescent-labeled HHV-6A or HHV-6B reagents demonstrated strong G1/S phase inhibition in infected precursor cells. Cell cycle arrest in HHV-6-infected cells was associated with a profound decrease in the expression of the glial progenitor cell marker A2B5 and a corresponding increase in the oligodendrocyte differentiation marker GalC.

These data demonstrate for the first time that infection of primary human glial precursor cells with a neurologically relevant human herpesvirus causes profound alterations of critical precursor cell properties. In light of recent observations that repair of CNS demyelination is dependent on the generation of mature oligodendrocytes from the glial precursor cell pool, these findings may have broad implications for both the ineffective repair seen in demyelinating diseases and the disruption of normal glial maturation.
Contrasting Roles of Basolateral Amygdala and Orbitofrontal Cortex in Impulsive Choice
Authors: Winstanley Catharine A. , Theobald David E. H. , Cardinal Rudolf N. , Robbins Trevor W.
Published: May 2004

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) share many reciprocal connections, and a functional interaction between these regions is important in controlling goal-directed behavior. However, their relative roles have proved hard to dissociate. Although injury to these brain regions can cause similar effects, it has been suggested that the resulting impairments arise through damage to different, yet converging, cognitive processes. Patients with OFC or amygdala lesions exhibit maladaptive decision making and aberrant social behavior often described as impulsive. Impulsive choice may be measured in both humans and rodents by evaluating intolerance to delay of reinforcement. Rats with excitotoxic lesions of the BLA and OFC were tested on such a delay-discounting procedure. Although lesions of the BLA increased choice of the small immediate reward, indicating greater impulsivity, OFC lesions had the opposite effect, increasing preference for the larger but delayed reward. The fact that the delay did not devalue the large reward to such an extent in OFC-lesioned animals supports the suggestion that the OFC is involved in updating the incentive value of outcomes in response to devaluation. In contrast, the BLA-lesioned animals markedly decreased their preference for the large reward when it was delayed, potentially because of an inability to maintain a representation of the reward in its absence. This is the first time that lesions to these two structures have produced opposite behavioral effects, indicating their distinct contributions to cognition.
Chronology of Deciduous Teeth Eruption in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Duque Cristiane , da Silva Dalben Gisele , Maria Fábio Aranha Andreza , de Carvalho Carrara Cleide Felício , Ribeiro Gomide Marcia , Costa Beatriz
Published: May 2004

Objective

To determine the chronology and sequence of eruption of the deciduous teeth in children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of Sao Paulo, Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Sample

A total of 435 children aged 0 to 48 months who presented with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Results

All teeth on the cleft side in both jaws for both sexes presented a higher mean age of eruption than their homologues at the noncleft side. This difference was statistically significant for the maxillary lateral incisor, maxillary cuspid, and mandibular lateral incisor. There was a statistically significant sex difference regarding the mean age of eruption only for the maxillary second molar for the girls and mandibular cuspid for the boys. The maxillary lateral incisor on the cleft side was the last tooth to erupt, thus modifying the sequence of eruption of the deciduous teeth.

Conclusions

The results suggest the interference of the cleft on the chronology of eruption of the deciduous teeth that are directly related to it.
Nasalance Scores in Wearers of a Palatal Lift Prosthesis in Comparison with Normative Data for Japanese
Authors: Tachimura Takashi , Kotani Yasuko , Wada Takeshi
Published: May 2004

Objective

This study was designed to examine whether nasalance score is changed in association with placement of a palatal lift prosthesis (PLP) and whether normative data previously reported are applicable to evaluate the effect of a PLP on velopharyngeal function as it relates to nasality.

Design

Nasalance scores were obtained as subjects read the Kitsutsuki Passage three times with the PLP in place and then removed.

Participants

Forty-three children (mean age 9.0 years, SD = 3.6 years) with repaired cleft palate who were treated with a PLP were selected as subjects. Their speech was characterized by nasal emission of air, slight hypernasality without a PLP but within normal limits with a PLP in place, or both.

Main Outcome Measures

Comparisons were made between normative scores and the average mean nasalance score of subjects with and without the PLP.

Results

Average values of the mean nasalance score for subjects were 17.3% (SD 7.6%) with the PLP in place and 33.5% (SD 13.3%) without the PLP in place. These scores were greater than the mean score of 9.1% (SD 3.9%) obtained from normal controls previously reported.

Conclusion

A PLP can decrease nasalance scores for speakers with repaired cleft palate who exhibit velopharyngeal incompetence. It was suggested that the normative score obtained from normal adult speakers is not applicable to evaluate the effect of a PLP to improve velopharyngeal function for children wearing the PLP.
Maxillary and Mandibular Displacement in Hemifacial Microsomia: A Longitudinal Roentgen Stereometric Study of 21 Patients with the Aid of Metallic Implants
Authors: Sarnäs Karl-Victor , Rune Bodil , Åberg Magnus
Published: May 2004

Objective

To record maxillary and mandibular displacement with articular growth and in response to bimaxillary surgical repositioning in patients with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) and to observe ipsilateral corpus/ramus growth in severely affected children.

Design

Prospective roentgen stereometric analysis (mean age 7 years 10 months to 18 years 0 months) and retrospective profile and panoramic roentgenograms. Mean total observation period was 9 years 1 month.

Setting

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Malmö University Hospital (Malmö, Sweden).

Patients

Twenty-one patients consecutively diagnosed from 1976 through 1988 with HMF, five of whom had bimaxillary surgery.

Interventions

Surgery was performed at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Implants were inserted at the initial reconstructive surgical procedure under general anesthesia. Roentgen examinations were performed in connection with continued clinical evaluations and treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Stereo roentgenograms were digitized at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Malmö University Hospital (Malmö, Sweden).

Results

Displacement of the jaws with articular growth and in response to bimaxillary surgical repositioning varied interindividually with no apparent common pattern. Relapse displacement occurred several years after bimaxillary surgery. Mandibular growth changes were found in the corpus/ramus area and alveolar process on the affected side.

Conclusions

A marked interindividual variability of maxillary and mandibular displacement indicates that the relevance of statistical analysis of HFM growth data may be questioned. We would suggest that precise and accurate longitudinal recordings of growth and response to surgery in individual HFM patients be more appropriate.
A Rare Craniofacial Cleft: Numbers 7, 2, and 3 Clefts Accompanied by a Single Median Lip Pit
Authors: Sigler Michael Orlin , Stein John , Zuker Ronald
Published: May 2004

Objective

A unique case of a unilateral partial Tessier no. 7 cleft accompanied by no. 2 and 3 clefts along with a single median lip pit is presented. The history, genetics, epidemiology, classifications, embryology, pathogenesis, and correction techniques are briefly reviewed. After an extensive review of the literature, we conclude that this particular constellation of anomalies has not previously been described.
A Modified Muscle-Activated Maxillary Orthopedic Appliance for Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding in Infants with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Suri Sunjay , Tompson Bryan D.
Published: May 2004

Objective

The purpose of this article is to describe a modified appliance and treatment approach for presurgical nasoalveolar molding in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Methods

This approach uses a plate held in with outriggers, which prevents the cleft-widening effect of the tongue, helps with tongue tip placement, and utilizes the functional movements of the facial musculature to guide and relocate the major segment medially to its normal position. Nasal molding is undertaken after most of the lateromedial correction of the alveolar position.

Conclusions

This technique helps to improve alveolar position, nasal septum alignment, nasal symmetry, and nasal tip projection prior to lip repair.
Oral Rehabilitation of an Orthodontic Patient with Cleft Lip and Palate and Hypodontia Using Secondary Bone Grafting, Osseo-Integrated Implants, and Prosthetic Treatment
Authors: Kawakami Shingo , Yokozeki Masahiko , Horiuchi Shinya , Moriyama Keiji
Published: May 2004

Objective

Complete skeletal and dental reconstruction of the anterior maxilla is of great importance to patients with cleft lip and palate. Accordingly, osseo-integrated implants have been utilized for dental reconstruction after secondary bone grafting. In this report, the orthodontic management of a patient with unilateral cleft lip and plate with associated hypodontia is described. The patient was treated with comprehensive orthodontic treatment in addition to secondary bone grafting, and dental reconstruction was achieved with a combination of osseo-integrated implants and fixed prosthodontic treatment.
Variations in Facial Soft Tissues of Italian Individuals with Ectodermal Dysplasia
Authors: Sforza Chiarella , Dellavia Claudia , Vizzotto Laura , Ferrario Virgilio F.
Published: May 2004

Objective

To supply quantitative information about the facial soft tissues of patients with ectodermal dysplasia (ED).

Design, Setting, and Patients

The three-dimensional coordinates of soft tissue facial landmarks were obtained using an electromagnetic digitizer in 20 Caucasian patients with ED (11 male and 9 female patients aged 7 to 41 years) and 391 healthy controls (163 female and 228 male subjects of comparable ages). From the landmarks, 15 facial dimensions and two angles were calculated. Data were compared with those collected in healthy individuals by computing z-scores. Two summary anthropometric measurements for quantifying craniofacial variations were assessed in both the patients and reference subjects: the mean z-score (an index of overall facial size) and its standard deviation, called the craniofacial variability index (an index of facial harmony).

Results

In patients with ED, a large variability was found for both the mean z-score and the craniofacial variability index. On average, the patients had a somewhat smaller facial size than the normal individuals, with a global disharmonious appearance. Overall, 70% of patients fell outside the quantitative definitions for normal facial size, harmony or both. When examining the distribution of the single z-scores of the 17 selected measurements, variable patterns were found, without consistent effects of age or sex.

Conclusions

The facial soft tissue structures of patients with ED differed both in size and shape from those of normal controls of the same age, sex, and ethnic group.
Global Strategies to Reduce the Health Care Burden of Craniofacial Anomalies: Report of WHO Meetings on International Collaborative Research on Craniofacial Anomalies
Authors: Shaw William
Published: May 2004

Although several significant research projects have arisen from international cooperation, especially in the field of genetics, these have been the exception rather than the rule. However, those of us who had the privilege and delight of participating in the World Health Organization meetings were struck by a common realization of the vast potential of systematic international cooperation. It is clear that the global model will be the most effective approach for tackling the big questions in craniofacial anomalies, be they concerned with cause, treatment, or prevention.

This report will serve as a road map for making collaboration the rule and not the exception and hopefully be a stimulus for the creation of partnerships between international research teams and funding agencies.
Direct Observation of the Ordering and Molecular Folding of Poly[(m‐phenylenevinylene)‐co‐(2,5‐dioctoxy‐p‐phenylenevinylene)]
Authors: Lei S.‐B. , Wan L.‐J. , Wang C. , Bai C.‐L.
Published: May 2004

Diverse chain foldings of a semi‐conjugated polymer are examined with submolecular resolution and molecular models (see Figure) are proposed. The ordering process observed directly supports the hypothesis that the polymer would show a preference to adsorb “straight” on a nanotube surface. The results provide important reference for the interaction mode between polymers and nanotubes.
Dendrimere in Lösung – Erkenntnisse aus Theorie und Simulation
Authors: Ballauff Matthias , Likos Christos N.
Published: May 2004

Eine Vielzahl von theoretischen Untersuchungen und Experimenten zeigt, dass gelöste Dendrimere sich wie flexible Polymere in guten Lösungsmitteln verhalten und daher am besten als Makromoleküle mit einem dichten Kern und fluktuierenden Monomerbausteinen beschrieben werden. Wir zeigen hier mithilfe von analytischer Theorie und Simulationen, wie sich Form und innere Struktur mit zunehmender Generationszahl ändern und welche effektiven Wechselwirkung zwischen gelösten Dendrimeren bestehen. Ein Ansatz auf der Basis einer vergröberten dendritischen Struktur sagt einstellbare weiche Wechselwirkungen zwischen den Schwerpunkten gelöster Dendrimere voraus. Die Ergebnisse von Kleinwinkelstreuexperimenten bestätigen die Theorie. Demnach sind Dendrimere ultraweiche Modellkolloide, deren Eigenschaften zwischen denjenigen von Polymeren und harten Kugeln liegen. Dendrimere können also mit verwandten Systemen wie Sternpolymeren und Blockcopolymer‐Micellen verglichen werden, sie weisen aber auch spezielle Eigenschaften auf.
Titelbild: Die erste Beschreibung einer strukturdefinierten Micelle (Angew. Chem. 22/2004)
Authors: Kellermann Michael , Bauer Walter , Hirsch Andreas , Schade Boris , Ludwig Kai , Böttcher Christoph
Published: May 2004

Die definierte Struktur von Micellen die durch Selbstorganisation amphiphiler Dendrocalixarene in wässriger Lösung entstehen, zeigt die dreidimensionale Rekonstruktion auf dem Titelbild. Wie A. Hirsch, C. Böttcher und Mitarbeiter in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 3019 ff. berichten, führt die starre T‐Struktur der Moleküle zu einer effizienten Rückfaltung unter Bildung der stark gekrümmten Aggregate. Dank der Formtreue dieser Nanocontainer gelang die strukturelle Charakterisierung einer micellaren Architektur mit molekularer Auflösung.
PrRuSi2 and Nd(RuxNi1‐x)Si2, Monoclinic Variants of the CeNiSi2 Structure.
Authors: Salamakha P. S. , Rizzoli C. , Sologub O. L. , Belletti D. , Protsyk O. S. , Goncalves A. P. , Almeida M.
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Enhanced Blue and Green Upconversion in Hydrothermally Synthesized Hexagonal NaY1‐xYbxF4:Ln3+ (Ln3+: Er3+ or Tm3+).
Authors: Liang Lifang , Wu Hao , Hu Haili , Wu Mingmei , Su Qiang
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Li—Cu Exchange in Intercalated Cu3N — With a Remark on Cu4N.
Authors: Gulo Fakhili , Simon Arndt , Koehler Juergen , Kremer Reinhard K.
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Sandwich‐Type Germanotungstates: Structure and Magnetic Properties of the Dimeric Polyoxoanions [M4(H2O)2 (GeW9O34)2]12‐ (M: Mn2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+).
Authors: Kortz Ulrich , Nellutla Saritha , Stowe Ashley C. , Dalal Naresh S. , Rauwald Urs , Danquah Welbeck , Ravot Didier
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Asymmetric Allylic Amination in Water Catalyzed by an Amphiphilic Resin‐Supported Chiral Palladium Complex.
Authors: Uozumi Yasuhiro , Tanaka Hirotaka , Shibatomi Kazutaka
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Diastereoselective Additions of Chiral Vinylzinc Reagents to α‐Chiral Aldehydes.
Authors: Marshall James A. , Eidam Patrick
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Highly Diastereoselective Conjugate Additions of Monoorganocopper Reagents to Chiral Imides.
Authors: Dambacher Jesse , Anness Robert , Pollock Patrick , Bergdahl Mikael
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Direct Catalytic Enantioselective α‐Aminoxylation of Ketones: A Stereoselective Synthesis of α‐Hydroxy and α,α′‐Dihydroxy Ketones.
Authors: Boegevig Anders , Sunden Henrik , Cordova Armando
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Heck Reactions in α,β‐Unsaturated Spirodiketones.
Authors: Sirbu Doina
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Conjugate Reduction of Aryl Acrylates with Tributyltin Hydride in the Presence of Magnesium Bromide Diethyl Etherate.
Authors: Hirasawa Satomi , Nagano Hajime , Kameda Yoko
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Co(III) Porphyrin/DMAP: An Efficient Catalyst System for the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from CO2 and Epoxides.
Authors: Paddock Robert L. , Hiyama Yaeko , McKay Jonathan M. , Nguyen SonBinh T.
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
A Novel Highly Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Haloamination of Alkenes Catalyzed by Divalent Palladium.
Authors: Lei Aiwen , Lu Xiyan , Liu Guosheng
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
3‐(2‐Pyrrolidin‐1‐ylethyl)‐5‐(1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐indole Derivatives as High Affinity Human 5‐HT1B/1D Ligands.
Authors: Egle Ian , MacLean Neil , Demchyshyn Lidia , Edwards Louise , Slassi Abdelmalik , Tehim Ashok
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
New Access to the 1H‐Pyrazolo[4,3‐c]pyridine Core from Bis‐acetylenic‐N‐benzoylhydrazones.
Authors: Commeiras Laurent , Woodcock Samuel C. , Baldwin Jack E. , Adlington Robert M. , Cowley Andrew R. , Wilkinson Peter J.
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Biologically Active Compounds Through Catalysis: Efficient Synthesis of N‐(Heteroarylcarbonyl)‐N′‐(arylalkyl)piperazines.
Authors: Kumar Kamal , Michalik Dirk , Garcia Castro Ivette , Tillack Annegret , Zapf Alexander , Arlt Michael , Heinrich Timo , Boettcher Henning , Beller Matthias
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
An Efficient Access to Selenazoline‐4‐carboxylate Derivatives Incorporating Cyclopropyl Groups.
Authors: Huang Xian , Chen Wan‐Li , Zhou Hong‐Wei
Published: May 2004

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Selective Removal of Benzyl Carbonate Used as a Protecting Group in Carbohydrate Chemistry.
Authors: Mouffouk Fouzi , Morere Alain , Vidal Sebastien , Leydet Alain , Montero Jean‐Louis
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
A Highly Efficient Synthesis of Lamellarins K (Ia) and L (Ib) by the Michael Addition/Ring‐Closure Reaction of Benzyldihydroisoquinoline Derivatives with Ethoxycarbonyl‐β‐nitrostyrenes.
Authors: Ploypradith Poonsakdi , Mahidol Chulabhorn , Sahakitpichan Poolsak , Wongbundit Siriporn , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Total Synthesis of Carbazoquinocin C: Application of the o‐Benzannulation of Fischer Carbene Complexes to Carbazole‐3,4‐quinone Alkaloids.
Authors: Rawat Manish , Wulff William D.
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Ammonium, Oxonium and Sulfonium Ylides—Catalytic Generation and Reactions of Oxygen and Nitrogen Ylides
Authors: Doyle Michael P. , Forbes David C.
Published: May 2004

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Recent Advance on the Development of Synthetic Reactions by Using Oximes
Authors: Kitamura Mitsuru , Narasaka Koichi
Published: May 2004

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Recent Developments in the Catalytic Asymmetric Cyanation of Ketimines
Authors: Spino Claude
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
The Disclosure of the Stepwise Supramolecular Organization of Guanosine Derivatives: Serendipity or Programmed Design?
Authors: Spada Gian Piero , Gottarelli Giovanni
Published: May 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Generation and Mesolytic Dynamics of Organoselenane and Selenosilane Radical Ions: Development of Mechanistically Interesting and Synthetically Useful Chemistry
Authors: Pandey Ganesh , Gadre Smita R.
Published: May 2004

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L‐Carnitine: A Biological Route to a Key Nutraceutical
Authors: Held Ulla , Siebrecht Stefan
Published: May 2004

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Neem — An Omnipotent Plant: A Retrospection
Authors: Brahmachari Goutam
Published: May 2004

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“Heterogreeneous” Chemistry: Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Biomass
Authors: Jacobsen Heiko
Published: May 2004

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An Introduction to Solution, Solid‐State, and Imaging NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Butler Leslie G.
Published: May 2004

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Ultrafast X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Bressler Christian , Chergui Majed
Published: May 2004

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Femtosecond Studies of Solvation and Intramolecular Configurational Dynamics of Fluorophores in Liquid Solution
Authors: Glasbeek Max , Zhang Hong
Published: May 2004

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Expression of concern: Overexpression of synuclein‐γ in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Zhongkui , Sclabas Guido M. , Peng Bailu , Hess Kenneth R. , Abbruzzese James L. , Evans Douglas B. , Chiao Paul J.
Published: May 2004

BACKGROUND

Currently, pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death in the United States. Despite the advances in pancreatic carcinoma research, patients with this devastating disease have a very poor prognosis. To identify the gene expression profile of pancreatic carcinoma, an important step in the process of developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, the authors investigated the alteration of gene expression in this disease.

METHODS

The authors analyzed a public serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) database and examined in greater detail the expression of synuclein‐γ mRNA in several pancreatic carcinoma cell lines and tumor tissue samples by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis and Northern blot analysis. The expression of synuclein‐γ protein was investigated further by immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses using tumor cell lines, tumor tissue, and serum samples.

RESULTS

Synuclein‐γ mRNA was overexpressed in 11 of 12 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, including AsPc‐1, MDAPanc28, Capan‐1, Capan‐2, PANC‐1, HS766T, MDAPanc3, MDAPanc48, Colo357FG, MiaPaCa2, CFPac1, and BxPc3. The expression of synuclein‐γ protein was detectable in 8 of 12 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines (67%) and in 22 of 32 pancreatic tumor tissue samples (69%) by Western blot analysis. On immunohistochemical staining, synuclein‐γ protein was present in 61% of the tumor tissue samples examined from patients with Stage I and II pancreatic carcinoma. The overexpression of synuclein‐γ is correlated with perineural and lymph node invasion. Synuclein‐γ protein also was detectable by Western blot in serum samples from 21 of 56 patients (38%) with pancreatic carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Synuclein‐γ, which initially was described as a breast carcinoma–specific gene involved in invasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance, was frequently overexpressed in pancreatic carcinoma. Overexpression of synuclein‐γ may play a role in pancreatic carcinoma invasion. Further studies will be necessary to determine the role of synuclein‐γ in pancreatic carcinoma. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Laser capture microdissection analysis reveals frequent allelic losses in papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential of the urinary bladder
Authors: Cheng Liang , MacLennan Gregory T. , Zhang Shaobo , Wang Mingsheng , Pan Chong‐Xian , Koch Michael O.
Published: May 2004

BACKGROUND

In the 1999 World Health Organization classification system, papillary tumors of the urinary bladder were classified as papilloma, papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP), and as Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 urothelial carcinoma. The biologic potential of PUNLMP of the urinary bladder is controversial. To the authors' knowledge, information regarding the genetic changes of PUNLMP tumors of the bladder is limited.

METHODS

The authors examined loss of heterogygosity (LOH) at 5 polymorphic microsatellite markers on chromosome 9q32–33 (D9S177), 9p22 (IFNA), 17p13.1 (TP53), 12q14–24 (D12S1051), and 3p25–26 (D3S3050) from 26 patients who were diagnosed with PUNLMP tumors of the urinary bladder. Tumors were microdissected from sections prepared from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐processed tissue specimens using laser capture microdissection.

RESULTS

LOH was found in 21 of 26 (81%) patients with PUNLMP. The rate of LOH was 41% with D9S177, 32% with IFNA, 29% with TP53, 26% with D12S1051, and 44% with D3S3050. Allelic loss of multiple chromosome loci was often present in patients with PUNLMP tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic changes that commonly occur in advanced bladder carcinoma (≥ pT2) are frequently found in PUNLMP of the urinary bladder. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Design of circularly polarized dielectric resonator antennas using modal polarization current model method
Authors: Inoue Takashi , Inagaki Naoki , Kikuma Nobuyoshi , Sakakibara Kunio
Published: May 2004

In the circularly polarized dielectric resonator antenna (CP‐DRA), the one‐point feed method with a simplified configuration of the feed system is studied. Although the CP‐DRA using a rectangular dielectric body requires a simple fabrication process, the excitation condition for a circular polarization is not clear yet. This paper studies a design method for a CP‐DRA generating a circular polarization with one probe placed at the external location of a rectangular dielectric body. As the first step of the design, the procedure used in the design of a conventional circularly polarized microstrip antenna is applied to this CP‐DRA. In the second stage of the design, an optimum structure of the CP‐DRA generating a circular polarization with matching to a feed system is determined by an iterative analysis of the structure including the excitation section by means of the modal polarization current model method (M‐PCMM). It is shown in the second stage of the design that the M‐PCMM is useful. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(11): 1–10, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10216
Synthesis and Reactions of 3‐Oxobutyl Isothiocyanate (OB ITC)
Authors: Verma Rajeshwar P.
Published: May 2004

In this review an attempt has been made to compile all the existing comprehensive literature for the synthesis of 3‐oxobutyl isothiocyanate (OB ITC), also known as 4‐isothiocyanato‐2‐butanone, and its reactions with compounds possessing different functional groups, such as amines, diamines, amino alcohols, amino thiols, amino phenols, amino thiophenols, and amino acids. The peculiar behavior of OB ITC is due to its sensitivity towards acids, different products being obtained when the reaction is performed in the absence and in the presence of an acid. The pH of the reaction conditions also plays an important role. Normally, OB ITC gives thiourea derivatives when treated with amines, but reactions become interesting with compounds possessing an amino group together with another functional group (NH2, OH, SH, COOH) in the ortho position, providing condensed bicyclic or tricyclic heterocycles of biological importance, with ring nitrogen and/or sulfur. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Thiourea as a Precursor to Sophisticated Heterobicyclic Compounds by a Double Annulation Reaction
Authors: Landreau Cyrille , Deniaud David , Reliquet Alain , Meslin Jean Claude
Published: May 2004

We report here the first example of an efficient regioselective synthesis of heterobicyclic compounds using thiourea as starting material. The key step in this synthetic process is the preparation of N,N′‐bis[(dimethylamino)methylene]thiourea (1), which reacts as thiazadiene, leading to diazadiene heterocycles. These heterocycles give either thiazolopyrimidine 4 or imidazo‐1,3‐thiazine 7 by a double annulation reaction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Preparation of Acyloins by Cerium‐Catalyzed, Direct Hydroxylation of β‐Dicarbonyl Compounds with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Christoffers Jens , Werner Thomas , Unger Sven , Frey Wolfgang
Published: May 2004

We report the metal‐catalyzed α‐hydroxylation of a variety of cyclic and acyclic β‐dicarbonyl compounds by molecular oxygen. The decisive advantage of this new method is the use of catalytic amounts of the nontoxic cerium salt CeCl3·7H2O in 2‐propanol at ambient temperature. Most of the cyclic substrates 4a−4i give high yields of analytically pure products 5a−5i, and the workup procedure is simple filtration through silica gel. The oxidation of acyclic dicarbonyl compounds 4j−4p, however, is accompanied by side reactions and decomposition, reducing the yields of products 5j−5p significantly. A proposed mechanism is in agreement with experimental results, in particular the observed oxygen uptake. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Preparation of Oxocanes by Electrophilic Cyclizations of Unsaturated Alcohols in the Presence of Bis(collidine)halonium(I) Hexafluorophosphates
Authors: Mendès Christelle , Renard Sylvie , Rofoo Mazin , Roux Marie‐Claude , Rousseau Gérard
Published: May 2004

7‐Octen‐1‐ols substituted in the sp3−sp3 carbon chain with carbocyclic (phenyl and cyclopropane) and heterocyclic (epoxide and dioxolane) moieties were prepared and their cyclizations in the presence of bis(collidine)iodonium(I) and ‐bromonium(I) hexafluorophosphates as electrophiles were studied. Oxocanes were obtained in modest to good yields when a rigid cyclic moiety (cyclopropane or phenyl) was present in the chain, while yields of cyclizations were lower if the cyclic component had a certain flexibility (dioxolane). Low yields were obtained with substrates bearing an epoxide substituent, probably because of stability problems due to the presence of collidine. With the vinylcyclopropane alcohol 12 we observed mainly the opening of the cyclopropane ring and the cyclization produced a tetrahydropyran derivative. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Formation of Cyclobutylidenepyrazolines by Methanolysis of 6‐(2,3,3‐Trifluorocyclobutenyl)‐4,5‐diazaspiro[2.4]hept‐4‐ene
Authors: Guseva Ekaterina V. , Volchkov Nikolay V. , Tomilov Yury V. , Averkiev Boris B. , Nefedov Oleg M.
Published: May 2004

The reaction of 6‐(2,3,3‐trifluorocyclobutenyl)‐4,5‐diazaspiro[2.4]hept‐4‐ene with NaOMe in MeOH results in a mixture of isomeric (6E)‐ and (6Z)‐6‐(2‐fluoro‐3,3‐dimethoxycyclobutylidene)‐4,5‐diazaspiro[2.4]hept‐4‐ene due to the formal substitution of methoxy groups for two geminal fluorine atoms. Both of the isomers selectively add acetyl chloride at the azo‐olefin unit to give 4‐acetyl‐6‐(1‐chloro‐2‐fluoro‐3,3‐dimethoxycyclobutyl)‐4,5‐diazaspiro[2.4]hept‐4‐ene as the trans‐isomer in greater than 95% yield. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)