bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An HIV-Prevention Intervention for Sex Workers in Tijuana, Mexico: A Pilot Study
Authors: Patterson Thomas L. , Semple Shirley J. , Fraga Miguel , Bucardo Jesus , Davila-Fraga Wendy , Strathdee Steffanie A.
Published: January 2005

Female sex workers (FSW) are at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and putting their clients and other partners at risk for infection. There is considerable evidence that Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)–based interventions are effective in reducing high-risk sexual behavior among at-risk populations in the United States. However, no studies have been undertaken of such interventions with FSWs in Mexico, where high rates of STIs exist and where sex tourism attracts a large number of American clients. This article describes the development of a culturally relevant sexual risk reduction intervention based on SCT and Theory of Reasoned Action for FSWs in Mexico. The intervention was designed to promote consistent use of condoms with clients. Spanish-speaking counselors used motivational interviewing techniques and skill-building exercises to promote behavior change in a clinic-based sample of FSWs. The authors describe the intervention and provide pilot data that demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of this approach.
Buscando Trabajo: Social Networking Among Immigrants From Mexico to the United States
Authors: Garcia Carlos
Published: January 2005

The growth of the Latino population in the United States has placed a sharp focus on immigration. Previous research on immigration has taken for granted the existence of immigrant networks. This is a significant oversight given their importance in both conveying social capital and their contribution to the growth of immigrant communities. Using data collected in the summer of 2002, the author looks at the development of an immigrant network in a rural town in northeastern Oklahoma. It is determined that the immigrant network in the community under study includes three distinct yet interconnected subnetworks, a traditional subnetwork, a church subnetwork, and a contract subnetwork. Although each of these secondary networks is made up of different social arrangements, they all provide similar services in a similar manner. The services provided within the greater immigrant network have increased the size, strength, and density of the local immigrant community.
Spanglish: An Anglicized Spanish Dialect
Authors: Ardila Alfredo
Published: January 2005

The blend between Spanish and English found in Hispanic or Latino communities in the United States is usually known as “Spanglish.” It is suggested that Spanglish represents the most important contemporary linguistic phenomenon in the United States that has barely been approached from a linguistic point of view. Spanglish may be interpreted in different ways: as a pidgin, a Creole language, an interlanguage, or an anglicized Spanish dialect. Regardless that Spanglish is spoken by millions of people, significant variations within the language are observed. To account for its development, two types of phenomena are proposed: superficial, including borrowing and code-switching; and deep, including lexical-semantic, grammatical, and the “equalization to English” phenomenon. An analysis of both superficial and deep Spanglish phenomena is presented. It is suggested that the future of Spanglish depends on two factors: (a) number of Spanishspeaking immigrants to the United States, and (b) U.S. policies concerning bilingualism.
CBLBvariants in type 1 diabetes and their genetic interaction withCTLA4
Authors: Bergholdt Regine , Taxvig Camilla , Eising Stefanie , Nerup Jørn , Pociot Flemming
Published: January 2005

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial disease with genetic and environmental components involved. Recent studies of an animal model of T1D, the Komeda diabetes-prone rat, have demonstrated that the Casitas-B-lineage lymphoma b (cblb) gene is a major susceptibility gene in the development of diabetes and other autoimmune features of this rat. As a result of the inhibitory role of Cbl-b in T cell costimulation, dysregulation of Cbl-b may also contribute to autoimmune diseases in man. Different isoforms of Cbl-b exist; we evaluated expression levels of two known transcript variants. Constitutive expression of both isoforms was demonstrated, as well as an increased expression, after cytokine exposure, of an isoform lacking exon 16, suggesting a possible role of this variant in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. We screened coding regions of the human CBLB gene for mutations in a panel of individuals affected with several autoimmune diseases. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. One SNP in exon 12 of the CBLB gene was significantly demonstrated to be associated to T1D in a large Danish T1D family material of 480 families. Evidence for common genetic factors underlying several autoimmune diseases has come from studies of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), which encodes another negatively regulatory molecule in the immune system. Gene-gene interactions probably play substantial roles in T1D susceptibility. We performed stratification of CBLB exon 12 SNP data, according to an established CTLA4 marker, CT60, and evidence for a genetic interaction between the CTLA4 and CBLB genes, involved in the same biological pathway of T cell receptor signaling, was observed.
Early intervention in psychosis: obstacles and opportunities
Authors: Singh Swaran P. , Fisher Helen L.
Published: January 2005

By focusing therapeutic effort on the early stages of psychotic disorders, effective early intervention should improve short- and long-term outcomes. Strategies include pre-psychotic and prodromal interventions to prevent emergence of psychosis, detecting untreated cases in the community and facilitating recovery in established cases of psychosis. The evidence base for each of these strategies is currently limited, although several international trials are under way. The Department of Health in the UK has announced the intention of setting up 50 early intervention services nationally, several of which are already operational. In this article, we briefly discuss the differing ways in which early intervention is conceptualised, summarise the evidence supporting it in established cases of psychosis, suggest appropriate service models and describe two early intervention services in south-west London.
Discordant and ambiguous messages in official representations of Empire: Versailles 1845, Crystal Palace 1851
Authors: Gill Hélène
Published: January 2005

This article compares issues of imperial representation and display in mid-nineteenth century Paris and London. Analysing the selection of images and artefacts displayed in Versailles in 1845, and at the 1851 Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, it focuses on the monumental
Vernet painting The Capture of the Smala of Abd-El-Kader at Versailles, and the Indian Court at the Great Exhibition which became a symbol of the submission of India. The French display of paintings of the conquest of Algeria and the British exhibition of artefacts and pageantry have overwhelmingly
been read as a cry of imperial triumphalism. Whilst not refuting that interpretation, this article focuses on signs of ambivalence and/or dissent discernible at the time regarding the wisdom, morality, durability and ultimate value of foreign domination, and argues that the implicit discourses
contained in both events are not as monolithic as first seems.
Éloge de l’absence dans La Femme sans sépulture d’Assia Djebar
Authors: Laroussi Farid
Published: January 2005

Dans son dernier roman en date, La Femme sans sépulture, Assia Djebar décide d’offrir au lecteur un témoignage, plutôt qu’un message, sur le rôle de la femme durant la guerre de libération nationale algérienne. Ce témoignage,
de par sa polyphonie narrative féminine, devient personnel, affectif, angoissé, tout autant qu’il aurait longtemps été occulté par les pouvoirs en place. C’est cette longue absence qui est au coeur du récit, qui en fait son système,
et que nous nous proposons d’analyser. Sans se réclamer d’une idéologie particulière Djebar exploite néanmoins sa veine féministe favorie comme mode d’appréhension du réel. En ce sens, l’absence de la femme devient communicable
et ce, comme nous l’avons découvert, non moins dans les registres politique et social qu’existentiel. L’absence sert également à renouveler le language, c’est-à-dire à renouveler la conception du monde. C’est dans cet engagemet
précis que l’écriture devient, à notre avis, flottante, tantôt en mêlant entre elles les crises qui ont secoué et secouent encore l’Algérie, tantôt en faisant de la mémoire l’apanage féminin de la vérité.
Le désir de reconstruction d’une période historique qui renvoie aux propres combats de Djebar, ne nous paraît crédible que dans la mesure où l’absence détient ou exprime une cohésion interne.
The ‘black box’ syndrome in technology transfer and the challenge of innovation in developing countries. The case of international joint venturesin Malaysia
Authors: Malairaja Chandra , Zawdie Girma
Published: January 2005

Technology transfer practices, though widely orchestrated for their significance, are rarely known for leading innovation and technological progress in developing countries. The gap between the acts of transfer and innovation has persisted mainly for two reasons. First, the orientation of learning and skill-development strategies in developing countries has largely been geared to sustaining rather than challenging or building on the prevailing state of knowledge. Second, the focus of policy on technology as a ‘black box’ entity has left the underlying issue of institutional and organizational fragmentation in developing countries unattended. Joint ventures are often preferred to other methods of technology transfer for their impact to break the cultural mould in the ‘black box’ and set the forces of change in motion. But they constitute only a small proportion of foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing countries; and where they occur, local partners are often relegated to activities that hardly involve the challenge of innovation. There is now a growing tide of awakening in developing countries that technology transfer can be better managed to leverage local innovation effort. Using the experience of Malaysia in technology transfer and economic growth, this paper discusses policy issues that would need to be addressed to enhance the effectiveness of technology transfer, in general, and joint ventures, in particular, as a vehicle for innovation and sustainable development.
Sleep-Related Nighttime Crying (Yonaki) in Japan: A Community-Based Study
Authors: Fukumizu Michio , Kaga Makiko , Kohyama Jun , Hayes Marie J.
Published: January 2005

Objective. To examine factors associated with the phenomenon of yonaki, or sleep-related nighttime crying (SRNC), in Japanese children

Methods. A cross-sectional design incorporating parental self-report was used to investigate relationships between developmental, psychologic, and constitutional/physiological factors in the incidence of SRNC. Participants were the parents of 170 infants, 174 toddlers, and 137 children at a well-infant clinic in Tokyo, Japan.

Results. The lifetime incidence rates of SRNC were 18.8% (infants), 64.9% (toddlers), and 59.9% (children). At all ages, children were most likely to cosleep with their parents; however, infants with reported SRNC were found to cosleep more frequently, whereas infants without SRNC were more likely to sleep in separate, child-dedicated beds. Toddlers with frequent SRNC were more likely to have irregular bedtimes and to have nonparental day care than were those without SRNC. Preschoolers who typically slept 9.5 to 10.5 hours per night were less likely to report SRNC than were children with longer or shorter nighttime sleep durations. In all groups, children with frequent SRNC were more likely to suffer from chronic eczema, and toddlers and preschoolers with SRNC exhibited bruxism more frequently.

Conclusions. The traditional Japanese arrangement of cosleeping represents an environment in which parents are readily accessible to children during waking episodes. Physical proximity to the parents in infancy, but not at other ages, is associated with SRNC. The higher incidence of bruxism, chronic eczema, and day care use among children with frequent SRNC supports the hypothesis that nighttime anxiety may promote SRNC.
The Relationship Between Reported Sleep Quality and Sleep Hygiene in Italian and American Adolescents
Authors: LeBourgeois Monique K. , Giannotti Flavia , Cortesi Flavia , Wolfson Amy R. , Harsh John
Published: January 2005

Objective. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between self-reported sleep quality and sleep hygiene in Italian and American adolescents and to assess whether sleep-hygiene practices mediate the relationship between culture and sleep quality.

Methods. Two nonprobability samples were collected from public schools in Rome, Italy, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Students completed the following self-report measures: Adolescent Sleep-Wake Scale, Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Scale, Pubertal Developmental Scale, and Morningness/Eveningness Scale.

Results. The final sample included 776 Italian and 572 American adolescents 12 to 17 years old. Italian adolescents reported much better sleep hygiene and substantially better sleep quality than American adolescents. A moderate-to-strong linear relationship was found between sleep hygiene and sleep quality in both samples. Separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed on both samples. Demographic and individual characteristics explained a significant proportion of the variance in sleep quality (Italians: 18%; Americans: 25%), and the addition of sleep-hygiene domains explained significantly more variance in sleep quality (Italians: 17%; Americans: 16%). A final hierarchical multiple regression analysis with both samples combined showed that culture (Italy versus United States) only explained 0.8% of the variance in sleep quality after controlling for sleep hygiene and all other variables.

Conclusions. Cross-cultural differences in sleep quality, for the most part, were due to differences in sleep-hygiene practices. Sleep hygiene is an important predictor of sleep quality in Italian and American adolescents, thus supporting the implementation and evaluation of educational programs on good sleep-hygiene practices.
Brief Report: An Epidemiologic Survey of the Prevalence of Sleep Disorders Among Children 2 to 12 Years Old in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Xicheng , Ma Yuyan , Wang Yizhuo , Jiang Qinbo , Rao Xiaochun , Lu Xiuying , Teng Honghong
Published: January 2005

Objective. This survey was conducted to examine the prevalence of sleep disorders in 2- to 12-year-old children in the Beijing area of China.

Methods. From October 2001 to June 2002, 5979 children 2 to 12 years old in 6 randomly selected counties in Beijing were investigated with questionnaires.

Results. The average total sleep time per day ranged from 11.38 hours among 2-year-olds down to 9.34 hours among 12-year-olds. The overall prevalence of sleep disorders was 21.2% and included parasomnia symptoms (bruxism [6.5%], sleep talking [4.9%], enuresis [1.0%], sleepwalking [0.6%], restless sleep [5.0%], and leg movements [1.9%]) and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (frequent snoring [5.6%], mouth breathing [4.1%], choking/gasping [0.9%], and breathing pauses [0.2%]).

Conclusion. The overall prevalence of parent-reported symptoms of sleep disorders in a large sample of children in Beijing, China, was comparable to that reported in other countries, although the prevalence of some specific symptoms differed somewhat.
Molecular Diagnosis of Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ib in a Family With Presumed Paroxysmal Dyskinesia
Authors: Mahmud Farid H. , Linglart Agnès , Bastepe Murat , Jüppner Harald , Lteif Aida N.
Published: January 2005

We describe 2 sisters diagnosed initially with paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis, a condition characterized by brief episodes of spasms precipitated by sudden movement. However, subsequent testing showed hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and elevated parathyroid hormone levels consistent with pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib. This diagnosis was confirmed by genetic testing, which identified a 3-kilobase deletion on chromosome 20q13.3. Our report describes the neurologic presentation, metabolic derangement, and underlying genetic mutation in a family. It also reinforces the importance of metabolic testing in the evaluation of pediatric patients with movement disorders.
Enforced Expression of PU.1 Rescues Osteoclastogenesis from Embryonic Stem Cells Lacking Tal-1
Authors: Tsuneto Motokazu , Tominaga Akira , Yamazaki Hidetoshi , Yoshino Miya , Orkin Stuart H. , Hayashi Shin-Ichi
Published: January 2005

Transcription factor T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia 1 (Tal-1) is essential for the specification of hematopoietic development. Mice lacking Tal1 fail to generate any hematopoietic precursors. Using our co-culture system with stromal cells, we demonstrate that enforced expression of the transcription factor PU.1 under tetracycline control in Tal1-null embryonic stem (ES) cells rescues the development of osteoclasts and macrophage–like phagocytes. It was low efficiency compared with wild–type ES cells; other hematopoietic lineage cells of granulocytes, B cells, mast cells, megakaryocytes, and erythroid cells were not generated. Osteoclasts developed in this culture were multinucleated and competent for bone resorption. Their development depended on macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand. The majority of cells with the potential to differentiate into osteoclasts expressed fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk-1) and could be isolated using anti–Flk-1 antibody. These results suggest that the expression of PU.1 is a critical event for osteoclastogenesis and that Tal-1 may lie upstream of PU.1 in a regulatory hierarchy during osteoclastogenesis.
Emerging Role of Rexinoids in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Focus on Bexarotene
Authors: Rigas James R. , Dragnev Konstantin H.
Published: January 2005

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to:

Explain the role of retinoids in cell division, growth, differentiation, and proliferation. Discuss the phase I, II, and III data using rexinoids to extend survival in NSCLC patients. Describe the expected toxicity profile of retinoids and rexinoids.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Although the introduction of third-generation antineoplastic agents in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer has led to modest improvements in overall patient survival, lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and improved therapies are needed. Retinoids play a critical role in the regulation of cell division, growth, differentiation, and proliferation, and they represent an exciting new avenue for targeted therapy. Several synthetic retinoids that bind to retinoic acid receptors are currently being investigated in a variety of tumor types. However, many of these agents have been associated with cheilitis, skin reactions, severe headache, and hypertriglyceridemia. Synthetic agents that bind specifically to retinoid X receptors are called rexinoids. Bexarotene (Targretin®; Ligand Pharmaceuticals; San Diego, CA; http://www.ligand.com) is a novel, multitargeted synthetic rexinoid that is currently being investigated in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Phase I and II studies have demonstrated that bexarotene is safe and well tolerated in this patient population either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Patients treated with bexarotene experience manageable adverse events at reduced levels compared with retinoic acid receptor-specific retinoids. Bexarotene in combination with chemotherapeutic agents has demonstrated an encouraging median survival for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer compared with historical results with combination chemotherapy alone. Two phase III trials are currently under way to fully characterize the role of bexarotene in the treatment of this disease. The purpose of this review is to explore the rationale for rexinoids in the treatment of malignancies and to discuss the clinical profile of bexarotene in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Recommendations for Zoledronic Acid Treatment of Patients with Bone Metastases
Authors: Berenson James R.
Published: January 2005

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to:

Describe new indications for the use of i.v. bisphosphonates in patients with metastatic bone disease. Explain the importance of infusion time on potential adverse renal events from bisphosphonates. List the types of adverse events that are associated with i.v. bisphosphonate therapy.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

The introduction of zoledronic acid, a new-generation bisphosphonate, has greatly extended the use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of patients with bone metastases. On the basis of results from three large, randomized, phase III clinical trials enrolling more than 3,000 patients, zoledronic acid (4 mg via 15-minute infusion) was approved in the United States for the treatment of patients with documented bone metastases from solid tumors in conjunction with standard antineoplastic therapy and patients with multiple myeloma. Zoledronic acid is also approved in Europe for the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with advanced malignancies involving bone. Current treatment guidelines published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommend the use of intravenous bisphosphonates at first radiographic evidence of osteopenia in patients with multiple myeloma or osteolytic bone lesions in patients with breast cancer to significantly reduce the occurrence and delay the onset of skeletal complications. Zoledronic acid has also demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of bone metastases in patients with prostate cancer, lung cancer, and other solid tumors. Bisphosphonate therapy is generally well tolerated but can be associated with increases in serum creatinine. Therefore, monitoring renal function is required for all patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy. Serum creatinine should be monitored before each dose and treatment withheld until any serum creatinine elevations have resolved to baseline levels. Caution should be exercised when treating patients who are receiving other potentially nephrotoxic therapies. With these simple precautions, intravenous bisphosphonate therapy is safe for long-term use and provides durable treatment benefits.
The Molecular Perspective: Major Histocompatibility Complex
Authors: Goodsell David S.
Published: January 2005

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to:

Describe the role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in viral infection and cancer.

Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Marinesco–Sjögren syndrome in a male with mild dysmorphism
Authors: Slavotinek Anne , Goldman Jill , Weisiger Kara , Kostiner Dana , Golabi Mahin , Packman Seymour , Wilcox William , Hoyme H. Eugene , Sherr Elliott
Published: January 2005

Marinesco–Sjögren syndrome (MSS) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder comprising cataracts, cerebellar ataxia caused by cerebellar hypoplasia, mild to moderate mental retardation, neuromuscular weakness, short stature, hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism, and skeletal anomalies. The syndrome was recently mapped to chromosome 5q31, but there is evidence for genetic heterogeneity, and no gene has been identified. We report a 5‐year‐old male with cataracts, ataxia, a progressive cerebellar atrophy, developmental delay, seizures, hypotonia, and a sensorimotor neuropathy consistent with many cases of MSS. He also had mild craniofacial dysmorphism consisting of hypertrichosis and synophrys, deep‐set eyes with epicanthic folds, a flat philtrum, a high palate, short thumbs, and a wide sandal gap between the first and second toes. Skeletal findings included an increased kyphosis. We reviewed the literature on MSS to determine if craniofacial dysmorphism and the presence of neuropathy and/or myopathy would prove to be diagnostically useful in this phenotypically heterogeneous condition. The majority of cases of MSS do not have craniofacial dysmorphism, but other cases have been reported with features such as ptosis or a myopathic facies that are likely to reflect the underlying myopathic or neuromuscular processes in MSS. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BRCA1/2 testing in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer families II: Impact on relationships
Authors: McInerney‐Leo Aideen , Biesecker Barbara Bowles , Hadley Donald W. , Kase Ronald G. , Giambarresi Therese R. , Johnson Elizabeth , Lerman Caryn , Struewing Jeffery P.
Published: January 2005

Members of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) families often express concern during genetic counseling about the impact of BRCA1/2 testing on close relatives. Yet whether there are likely to be adverse effects of either the decision to undergo genetic testing or the results of testing on family relationships is unknown. One purpose of this study was to assess the impact on close family relationships. Within a randomized trial of breast cancer genetic counseling methods, members of 13 HBOC families were offered BRCA1/2 testing for a known family mutation. The Family Relationship Index (FRI) of the Family Environment Scale (FES) was used to measure perceived family cohesion, conflict, and expressiveness at baseline and again 6–9 months following the receipt of test results, or at the equivalent time for those who declined testing. Participants (n = 212) completed baseline and follow‐up questionnaires. Comparisons were made between testers and non‐testers as well as between those who tested positive and negative for the family mutation. One hundred eighty‐one participants elected to undergo genetic testing (85%) and 47 (26%) were identified to have a mutation. After adjusting for baseline family relationship scores, counseling intervention, gender and marital status, non‐testers reported a greater increase in expressiveness (P = 0.006) and cohesion (P = 0.04) than testers. Individuals who tested positive reported a decrease in expressiveness (P = 0.07), although as a trend. Regardless of test decision or test result, those who were randomized to a client‐centered counseling intervention reported a decrease in conflict (P = 0.006). Overall, study results suggest that undergoing genetic testing and learning ones BRCA1/2 status may affect family relationships. Those individuals who declined testing reported feeling closer to family members and more encouraged to express emotions to other family members demonstrating potential benefit from the offer of testing. Since those who tested positive reported feeling less encouraged to express their emotions within the family, we recommend helping clients to identify others with whom they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings about their positive gene status and increased cancer risk. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitation of motion perception in the digits: A psychophysical study in normal human subjects
Authors: Emre Kokmen , Robert W. Bossemeyer , William J. Williams
Published: December 2004

Threshold perception of motion of the digits was obtained in 14 normal subjects. The metacarpophalangeal joint of the index and the fifth finger of each hand and the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux of each foot were passively moved up and down with respect to a horizontal plane defined by the palmar or plantar surface. The motion was sinusoidal at frequencies of 0.5 and 5.0 Hz. A modified von Békésy paradigm similar to that used in audiometry was utilized to yield threshold levels of motion sensation. There was little difference in the thresholds obtained for the different joints. The difference between high‐ and low‐frequency stimulation, however, was significant (p 0.001): the 0.5 Hz threshold was found to range from 0.8 to 1.0 degree, whereas the 5.0 Hz threshold varied from 0.4 to 0.6 degree. It is thought that motion sense is largely dependent on joint receptor contributions, but muscle and cutaneous receptors may also contribute to this proprioceptive sensation.
A divided mind: Observations on the conscious properties of the separated hemispheres
Authors: Ledoux Joseph E. , Wilson Donald H. , Gazzaniga Michael S.
Published: December 2004

Each cerebral hemisphere in Patient P.S., a callosum‐sectioned patient, appears to possess mental properties deserving of conscious status. The observations seem to answer many questions concerning the issue of whether the mechanisms of consciousness can be split and doubled by split‐brain surgery. As P. S. is the first split‐brain patient clearly to possess double conscious processes as well as the first with extensive bilateral linguistic skills, the observations suggest that the special nature of human conscious experience is closely tied to linguistic processes.
Multiple sclerosis: Diagnostic usefulness of cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Johnson Kenneth P. , Nelson Barbara J.
Published: December 2004

Early, atypical, or progressive cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) may be hard to diagnose. Until recently, assays of the most common abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid were not available in clinical diagnostic laboratories, but now they can be done with relative ease and adequate standardization. With the newer techniques the CSF is abnormal in more than 90% of clinically definite cases of MS, and determination of such changes can be a major aid in diagnosis.

The most common CSF abnormalities are discussed: elevation of immunoglobulin G (IgG), expressed as percentage of total protein; elevation of the IgG/albumin index; and presence of oligoclonal IgG bands. Not only does assessment of these CSF proteins provide an improved aid to diagnosis, but their study may furnish important clues to the cause and pathogenesis of MS as well.
Some features of the neuromuscular complications of pulmonary carcinoma
Authors: Teräväinen Heikki , Larsen Andreo
Published: December 2004

Peripheral nerve, muscle, and synaptic physiology in 33 patients with pulmonary carcinoma was studied by means of clinical neurological examination in all and conduction velocity measurements of motor and sensory nerves in 19. Histological and histochemical examination of biopsied intercostal muscle and study of the physiology of the motor end‐plate using intracellular microelectrodes were also performed in some. The observations were compared with those in a group of 9 patients with noncarcinomatous lung disease.

Polyneuropathy was more frequent in patients with carcinoma of the lung than without. Histological examination of muscle revealed only slight structural changes, not different from those in patients without carcinoma. Resting membrane potentials were similar in the two groups. The mean frequency of miniature end‐plate potentials (mepps) in bathing solution containing 5 mM K+ was higher in 13 patients with pulmonary carcinoma than in 5 noncarcinomatous patients. Mean mepp amplitudes were similar. Muscles from patients with pulmonary carcinoma had a diminished ability to increase transmitter release in presynaptic depolarization performed with bathing solution containing 20 mM K+. The quantum content calculated was less in 1 carcinoma patient than in 2 patients without carcinoma.
A case of Schwartz‐Jampel syndrome with unusual muscle biopsy findings
Authors: Fariello Ruggero , Meloff Keith , Murphy E. Gordon , Reilly Bernard J. , Armstrong Dawna
Published: December 2004

A case of Schwartz‐Jampel syndrome with electrical, radiographic, biopsy, and pharmacological studies is presented along with a summary of the 12 other reported cases. Radiological study showed nonspecific but definite abnormalities. The muscle biopsy revealed myopathic and neurogenic features. No drug was effective in reducing our patient's stiffness.
Metabolic response to hypertonic glucose administration in Reye syndrome
Authors: Haymond Morey W. , Karl Irene E. , Keating James P. , Devivo Darryl C.
Published: December 2004

Blood substrate and hormone concentrations were determined in 16 children with Reye syndrome prior to and following administration of hypertonic glucose. Baseline concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, alanine, glutamine, glutamate, proline, hydroxyproline, lysine, and aspartate were elevated (p < 0.01), whereas citrulline and arginine were low. All substrate concentrations were below or within the normal range following 36 hours of therapy except those of lactate, pyruvate, and aspartate. Urea nitrogen excretion was reduced (p < 0.05) on the second day of therapy. Plasma concentrations of insulin and growth hormone increased and glucagon decreased during the first day. Cortisol remained elevated throughout the study period.

We conclude that the high circulating concentrations of substrates are the result of both increased mobilization and decreased clearance and that hypertonic glucose infusion suppresses substrate mobilization. A primary abnormality of the mitochondria could explain the metabolic perturbations that occurred. A possible relationship between the encephalopathy in this disorder and an insult to both brain and brain capillary mitochondria is discussed.
Electron microscopic observations on the super helical structure of synthetic polypeptide
Authors: Ishikawa Saburo , Kurita Toshio
Published: December 2004

A study of the super helical structure of synthetic polypeptides, such as poly‐γ‐benzyl‐D (or L)‐glutamate (PBDG or PBLG) was carried out. The PEG was dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF). The solution was either allowed to remain at room temperature for a long time or poured into some fatty acid, such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, or caprylic acid. Whether the polymer precipitated slowly or rapidly depended upon the aging of the solution or the nature of the acid used. The precipitated gels revealed the coiled coil fibrils, but the feature and degree of coiling varied, depending upon the length of aging or the nature of the acid used for precipitation. After a short aging of the solution, there was no helical structure in the gels. After long aging, very fine‐coiled coil macrofibrils or small spindle‐like fibrils were obtained. The macrofibrils consisted of the spindle‐like fibrils which in turn consisted of microfibrils (diam. 60–70A.). When using the fatty acid precipitation very fine to medium fine super helices were obtained. Extremely fine super helices were obtained in propionic acid. In these gels the PBG chains have an α‐helical conformation. When PMLG–DCA solution was stored for a long time, another type of precipitation was obtained, one giving evidence of so‐called cross‐β crystallization and no coiled coil fibrils. The precipitation of cross‐β fibrils was obtained when the concentration of the solution was above 8%.
Polymerization of DL‐β‐phenylalanine N‐carboxy anhydride adsorbed on polysarcosine dimethylamide
Authors: Ballard D. G. H.
Published: December 2004

The polymerization of DL‐β‐Phenylalanine N‐carboxy anhydride adsorbed on polysarcosine dimethylamide has been studied further. This unusual reaction, which is analogous kinetically to reactions catalyzed by enzymes, was called the “chain‐effect.” For polymerization of N‐carboxy anhydrides by this mechanism it is necessary that the initiating polymer should possess an adsorption site and a terminal base group. The effect is shown to occur with simple compounds such as amino acid dimethylamides but not with poly‐L‐proline due to the inability of this polymer to adsorb the anhydride. From a study of the reaction of block copolymers of L‐proline and sarcosine with DL‐β‐phenylalanine it is concluded that the relative positions of the adsorption site and terminal base group do not greatly influence the reaction rate, but the accessibility of the adsorption sites is an important factor determining the reactivity of polysarcosine dimethylamides of various degrees of polymerization (n). At high values of n the polymer exists in a coiled form and only those sites close to the terminal base group participate in the reaction. Initial rate studies give a detailed description of the early stage of the chain‐effect polymerization. With these data and by use of analog computer techniques the complete reaction has been studied. It is concluded that the poly‐DL‐β‐phenylalanine block produced is not permanently attached to the polysarcosine chain by hydrogen bonds during its formation but that an equilibrium exists between the polysarcosine and the poly‐DL‐phenylalanine blocks.
Statistical mechanics of noncovalent bonds in polyamino acids. VI. A simple model for side‐chain hydrogen bonds between helices
Authors: Poland Douglas C. , Scheraga Harold A.
Published: December 2004

The partition function of paper II for short polypetide chains is incorporated here into one for a simple model for side‐chain hydrogen bonds between helices. It is thus possible to calculate the fraction of amide hydrogen bonds, the fraction of side‐chain hydrogen bonds, and the number of bound protons as a function of temperature and pH. Illustrative data are presented for the probabilities of occurrence of intermediate structures and for the influence of the overall conformation on the observed pK's of ionizable groups.
Heat of the reaction forming the three‐stranded poly (A + 2U) complex
Authors: Ross Philip D. , Scruggs Robert L.
Published: December 2004

Calorimetric measurements of the heat of the addition of the second strand of poly U to poly (A + 2U) to form the three‐stranded poly (A + 2U) complex in 0.1M and 0.5M NaCl at 24 and 37°C. are reported. A value of ΔH = −3800 cal./mole of poly (A + 2U) formed was found to be fairly insensitive to the experimental conditions employed. The heat of the addition of the third strand to the preformed poly (A + U) helix is considerably less exothermic than the heat of reaction between poly A and poly U to form poly (A + U). The insensitivity of the heat of addition of the third strand (poly U) to changes in salt concentration and temperature lends qualitative support to the earlier hypothesis that the major portion of the variation of the ΔH of the poly A and poly U reaction with experimental conditions arises from differences in the conformation of poly A. Combining the information obtained in this study for the ΔH of the reaction forming poly (A + 2U) with data for the ΔH of the formation of poly (A + U) indicates that the conversion of poly (A + U) to poly (A + 2U) is opposed by an enthalpy change which increases with temperature. Extrapolation of these values to 52°C. where poly (A + U) is transformed to poly (A + 2U) in 0.5M NaCl leads to a value of ΔH = +3800 cal./mole (A + 2U) formed and ΔS = 11.5 cal./mole of (A + 2U) formed. It is concluded from the calorimetric data that the driving force for the poly (A + U) to poly (A + 2U) conversion reaction is the favorable entropy change.
Sedimentation coefficients of replicating and crosslinked DNA
Authors: Bloomfield Victor A.
Published: December 2004

The sedimentation coefficients of branched and cyclic replicating DNA structures have been calculated taking into account both chain stiffness and excluded volume effects. For branched DNA, the calculated ratio S0(α)/S0(0) of the sedimentation coefficient at degree of replication α to that at α = 0 increases from 1.000 to 1.331 as α goes from 0 to 1. For cyclic replicating DNA, S0(1)/S0(0) = 1.517. The considerable difference between these two ratios for α = 1 suggests that the two types of replicating structures may feasibly be distinguished by sedimentation velocity studies, A similar calculation has been made of the sedimentation coefficient of singly cross‐linked DNA under denaturing conditions, as a function of placement of the crosslink. In 0.195M Na+, the ratio S0(α)/S0(0) varies from 1.000 at α = 0 to 1.124 at α = 0.5, where α is the fractional distance of the crosslink from the end of the chain.
Polypeptides with known repeating sequences of amino acids. Comparison of several methods used for the synthesis of poly‐γ‐D‐ and L‐glutamylglycine and investigation of its serological reaction with antianthrax immune serum
Authors: Kovacs J. , Schmit G. N. , Ghatak U. R.
Published: December 2004

To make a comparison of some of the various polymerization methods, poly‐γ‐D‐and L‐glutamylglycine were synthesized through the mixed anhydride, carbodiimide, and pentachlorophenyl active ester methods. This last method proved to be best, on the basis of weight‐average molecular weights (M̄w). A detailed study was also carried out to determine the optimum conditions for this method. The M̄w, values of the polymers were determined by the sedimentation equilibrium method; it was found that the pentachlorophenyl active ester gave M̄w values of up to 11, 500 but the mixed anhydride and carbodiimide methods gave M̄w, values of only about 1000. Tests with rabbit antianthrax immune serum showed that neither D‐ nor L‐isomer precipitated with the antiserum, but that, both were able to inhibit the precipitation of the antiserum by anthrax polypeptide. In addition, the D‐polymer gave more inhibition than the L, which would indicate a specificity of the antibody for D‐glutamic acid residues.
Proton magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopic studies of water‐soluble polypeptides: Poly‐L‐lysine HBr, poly(L‐glutamic acid), and copoly(L‐glutamic acid42, L‐lysine HBr28, L‐alanine30)
Authors: Bradbury E. M. , Crane‐Robinson C. , Goldman H. , Rattle H. W. E.
Published: December 2004

The helix‐coil transition has been studied by high‐resolution NMR for three water‐soluble polypeptides. Such systems are better models for protein behavior than those in TFA‐CDCl3 solvent. An upfield shift of ∼7 cps is observed for the α‐CH peak of poly(L‐glutamic acid) and poly‐L‐lysine as the helix content increases over the transition. No such shift is found for copoly(L‐glutamic acid42, L‐lysine28, L‐alanine30). The width of the α‐CH peak for poly L‐lysine increases rapidly as helix content rises but for poly L‐glutamic acid and the copolymer, the width of this peak remains unchanged up to 60% helicity. This demonstrates a rapid rate of interconversion between helical and random conformations in partly helical polymer for the latter two polypeptides. All three polymers however, show no apparent α‐CH peak at 100% helicity. Side‐chain resonance lines also broaden as helix content increases and, to a greater extent, the closer the proton is to the main chain.
Reinvestigation of the primary structure of yeast alanine tRNA
Authors: Merril Carl R.
Published: December 2004

The primary structure of alanine transfer RNA reported by Holley and his colleagues contained a number of inconsistencies between the data and the proposed sequence. In order to resolve these inconsistencies, alanine tRNA was isolated from yeast by using countercurrent techniques similar to those employed by Holley. The alanine accepting RNA obtained by this procedure was found by further purification employing reverse phase partition chromatography, to contain two different species of alanine tRNA. One of these, tRNAala I, could be shown to be similar to Holley's proposed structure with the addition of a guanine between positions 47 and 48 and only 2 dihydrouridines instead of the 2.5 reported by Holley.
Proflavine binding to yeast rRNA and ribosomes as related to structure
Authors: Schoentjes M. , Fredericq E.
Published: December 2004

Proflavine binding experiments were carried out with yeast rRNA, native and “unfolded” ribosomes; the binding constants and the number of binding sites were calculated by a spectroscopic method. The study of the intercalation complexes by fluorescence and electric dichroism shows the intercalation binding sites to involve two subtypes of sites, which could be related to different nucleotide composition and secondary structure of the rRNA regions, i.e., binding sites located in the (A + U)‐rich single strands and binding sites located in the (G + C)‐rich double‐helical strands (fluorescence quenching sites). Electric dichroism of complexed proflavine is interpreted in terms of rRNA conformation within the ribosomes. The conclusions are in agreement with the ribosomal model of Cox and Bonanou and show that, according to this model, the base planes of the nucleotides are not all parallel in the native ribsome, but rather radiate around the folding axis of the ribonucleoprotein sheet.
Thermal and charge‐induced coil to α‐helix transition of poly‐L‐glutamic acid and random L‐glutamic acid–L‐alanine copolymers
Authors: Warashina Akira , Ikegami Akira
Published: December 2004

Thermal and charge induced random coil to α‐helix transitions of poly‐L‐glutamic acid (PGA) were measured by optical rotatory dispersion in various solvents. The data of PGA in 0.1M Nacl were analyzed by the Zimm‐Rice theory. Enthalpy and entropy changes for the coil‐to‐helix transition in the unionized state were obtained: ΔH° = −1020 ± 100 cal/residue mole; ΔH° = −3.0 ± 0.4 e.u./residue mole. The initiation parameter, σ, of the Zimm‐Rice theory was given by a value of 5 ± 1 × 10‐3. Random copolymers of L‐glutamic acid and L‐alanine containing 10, 30, and 40 molar percents of alanyl residue were synthesized. Stabilities of α‐helix of the copolymers were compared to that of PGA. In water and water‐ethanol solutions, stabilities of the polymers were almost equal after the simple correction about the ionized charge density of the polymers. In 0.1 M NaCl solution these copolymers showed some deviations from the transition curve of PGA, which would suggest the hydrophobic contribution of the alanyl residues.
Conformational studies on polypeptides. The effect of sodium perchlorate on the conformation of poly‐L‐lysine and of random copolymers of L‐lysine and L‐phenylalanine in aqueous solution
Authors: Peggion E. , Cosani A. , Terbojevich M. , Borin G.
Published: December 2004

Circular Dichroism measurements have been carried out on poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) and on random copolymers of lysine and phenylalanine at various pH values and in the presence of different amounts of NaClO4. The results indicate that either the homopolymer or the copolymers at pH conditions at which the side‐chain amino groups are fully protonated, assume the right‐handed α‐helical conformation in the presence of NaClO4. The results are interpreted in terms of specific binding of ClO4− ions on charged side‐chain amino groups.
Evidence for stereospecific collision complexes of cyclo(tri‐L‐prolyl) with benzene
Authors: Torchia D. A. , Deber C. M.
Published: December 2004

NMR spectra of cyclo(tri‐L‐prolyl), c‐(P)3, show large shifts of the Hα resonance on adding C6D6 to a solution of c‐(P)3 in CD2Cl2. CPK models and observed coupling constants indicate a rigid c‐(P)3 conformation, independent of solvent composition, suggesting that these shifts result from formation of stereospecific C6D6–c‐(P)3 collision complexes in which the c‐(P)3 Hα lie near the face of the aromatic ring. The temperature dependence of the Hα shifts and the solvent dependent shifts observed on adding toluene‐d8 or nitrobenzene‐d5 to the c‐(P)3 solution suggest that preferred C6D6–c‐(P)3 orientations result from attractive interactions between the electron‐rich aromatic ring and the electropositive Hα's and/or δ+ nitrogen atoms in the peptide backbone. Reports of such interactions in increasingly diverse peptide model systems suggest that they may play a role in stabilizing protein structures.