bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative amounts of antagonistic splicing factors, hnRNP A1 and ASF/SF2, change during neoplastic lung growth: Implications for pre‐mRNA processing
Authors: Zerbe Laura K. , Pino Irene , Pio Ruben , Cosper Pippa F. , Dwyer‐Nield Lori D. , Meyer Amy M. , Port J. David , Montuenga Luis M. , Malkinson Alvin M.
Published: September 2004

Pre‐mRNA processing is an important mechanism for globally modifying cellular protein composition during tumorigenesis. To understand this process during lung cancer, expression of two key pre‐mRNA alternative splicing factors was compared in a mouse model of early lung carcinogenesis and during regenerative growth following reversible lung injury. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 and alternative splicing factor/splicing factor 2 (ASF/SF2) act antagonistically to modulate splice site selection. Both hnRNP A1 and ASF/SF2 contents rose in adenomas and during injury‐induced hyperplasia compared to control lungs, as measured by immunoblotting. While both proteins increased similarly during compensatory hyperplasia, hnRNP A1 increased to a much greater extent than ASF/SF2 in tumors, resulting in a 6‐fold increase of the hnRNP A1 to ASF/SF2 ratio. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that hnRNP A1 localized exclusively within tumor nuclei, while ASF/SF2 appeared in cytoplasm and/or nuclei, depending on the growth pattern of the tumor cells. We also demonstrated cancer‐associated changes in the pre‐mRNA alternative splicing of CD44, a membrane glycoprotein involved in cell‐cell and cell‐extracellular matrix interactions. hnRNP A1 and ASF/SF2 expression is thus differentially altered in neoplastic lung cells by mechanisms that do not strictly arise from increased cell division. These changes are influenced by tumor histology and may be associated with production of variant CD44 mRNA isoforms. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Competitive repertoire simplicity and firm performance: The moderating role of top management team heterogeneity
Authors: Ferrier Walter J. , Lyon Douglas W.
Published: September 2004

We extend Miller and Chen's (Strategic Manage J 1996; 17: 419–439) recent research on the impact of competitive repertoire simplicity on firm performance by exploring the extent to which top management team (TMT) demographic heterogeneity moderates this relationship. These authors found that competitive repertoire simplicity among firms in the airline industry was negatively related to firm performance. By contrast, our findings from a multi‐industry study suggest that strategic repertoire simplicity is positively related to performance for firms led by heterogeneous TMTs, and negatively related for less heterogeneous TMTs. Accordingly, this finding advances theory within competitive dynamics and strategic leadership. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overcoming stickiness: An empirical investigation of the role of the template in the replication of organizational routines
Authors: Szulanski Gabriel , Jensen Robert J.
Published: September 2004

Knowledge assets are fundamental sources of competitive advantage. Accordingly, the prosperity of firms is increasingly predicated on their ability to mobilize those assets so that they can be properly exploited. Yet, valuable knowledge assets are often complex, intangible, and tacit organizational attributes embedded in organizational routines and are hard to mobilize. Thus, the reality of knowledge transfer rarely lives up to expectations.

A central tenet in viewing transfers of knowledge as the replication of organizational routines is the importance of the template. We hypothesize that a template, i.e. a working example, is essential in replicating knowledge assets effectively.

In this paper, we explore this hypothesis with a case study that takes the form of a naturally occurring, repeated‐treatment quasi‐experiment. The ‘treatment,’ in this case, is determined by the use of a template that serves to guide the replication. The extent of stickiness in the transfer of marketing practices is then observed. The setting is Rank Xerox, the European subsidiary of Xerox.

The unfolding of this experiment was closely monitored over an eight‐year period. The findings support the hypothesized impact of the template on stickiness. The findings suggest also that the template serves also a persuasive role that is not articulated in the original theoretical portrayal of replication. Moreover the results suggest an actionable lever to overcome difficulty, i.e. an actionable lever to enhance the utilization of scarce, hard to transfer knowledge assets. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From corporate strategy to business‐level advantage: Relatedness as resource congruence
Authors: D'Aveni Richard A. , Ravenscraft David J. , Anderson Philip
Published: September 2004

In this paper, we studyresource congruence, the degree to which the expenditure profile of a focal lines of business (LB) resembles others in its parent's portfolio. Taking each individual LB as a focal point, we examine the degree to which its resource allocation profile resembles or differs from the profiles of the other businesses in the corporation. We argue that business lines are most efficient and profitable when their resource allocation patterns are highly similar to those of the parent's other businesses, a condition we term resource congruence.

The results show that the more closely LB is aligned with its parent's dominant logic—that is, the more congruent it is—the better it performs and the lower its costs relative to competitor LBs in the focal LB's industry. Improved performance and cost are not found when a LB is embedded within similar two‐digit standard industrial codes (SICs) as those of other LBs within its parent's portfolio. Even though the SIC classification system has been used as a measure of ‘output’ relatedness based on similarity of product and customer market characteristics, the results suggest that resource congruence (and resource‐based views of the firm) are better predictor of synergies and competitive advantage at the business level than is output relatedness. We also suggest that theories of managerial capability, dominant logic, and monitoring can explain our discovery of spillover and congruence effects that are not explained by economies of scope or resource sharing‐based explanations alone. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectral assignments of new diterpenes from Hyptis martiusii Benth
Authors: da Cruz Araújo Edigênia Cavalcante , Sousa Lima Mary Anne , Rocha Silveira Edilberto
Published: September 2004

The structural characterization of two new abietanes and a new spiro‐fused tricyclic diterpene isolated from the roots of Hyptis martiusii is described. The first member of a new class of rearranged abietane diterpenoids designated martiusane was characterized by the use of 1D NMR and several 2D shift correlated NMR pulse sequences (1H,1H‐COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY). Unambiguous 1H and 13C chemical shift assignments for all compounds are reported. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and structure elucidation of bromination products from dibromohomobenzonorbornadienes: high temperature bromination—Part 17
Authors: Kazaz Cavit , Daştan Arif , Balcı Metin
Published: September 2004

The electrophilic addition of bromine to dibromohomobenzonorbornadiene derivatives at −45 ± 5°C led to the formation of the rearranged and non‐rearranged tetrabromides in a ratio of 6:4. However, high‐temperature bromination of the same system in CCl4 at 77°C produced only non‐rearranged products. The formation mechanism of the isomers and the role of the substituent on the rearrangement is discussed. The structure elucidation of the isomeric tetrabromides was achieved from NMR spectral data. The agreement between the calculated dihedral angles and the measured coupling constants is especially excellent. The γ‐gauche effect is discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new selective population transfer experiment using a double pulsed field gradient spin‐echo
Authors: Uzawa Jun , Yoshida Shigeo
Published: September 2004

A new pulse sequence is proposed for the determination of scalar coupling correlation in small‐ and medium‐sized organic compounds. The method uses a combination of the double pulsed field gradient spin‐echo (DPFGSE) and the selective population transfer (SPT) techniques and is shown to be useful in the analysis of complex spectra with many overlapped signals. The usefulness of this method in the structural elucidation of natural substances is demonstrated using strychnine and digitoxin as examples. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient high‐frequency body coil for high‐field MRI
Authors: Vaughan J.T. , Adriany G. , Snyder C.J. , Tian J. , Thiel T. , Bolinger L. , Liu H. , DelaBarre L. , Ugurbil K.
Published: September 2004

The use of body coils is favored for homogeneous excitation, and such coils are often paired with surface coils or arrays for sensitive reception in many MRI applications. While the body coil's physical size and resultant electrical length make this circuit difficult to design for any field strength, recent efforts to build efficient body coils for applications at 3T and above have been especially challenging. To meet this challenge, we developed an efficient new transverse electromagnetic (TEM) body coil and demonstrated its use in human studies at field strengths up to 4T. Head, body, and breast images were acquired within peak power constraints of <8 kW. Bench studies indicate that these body coils are feasible to 8T. RF shimming was used to remove a high‐field‐related cardiac imaging artifact in these preliminary studies. Magn Reson Med 52:851–859, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiogenesis in ectopic ovarian xenotransplantation: Multiparameter characterization of the neovasculature by dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Israely Tomer , Dafni Hagit , Nevo Nava , Tsafriri Alex , Neeman Michal
Published: September 2004

It has been suggested that ovarian cryopreservation and xenotransplantation can be used to preserve oocytes from damage during anticancer treatments. The main obstacle to subsequent ovarian grafting is loss of oocytes due to impaired perfusion. The aim of this study was to characterize angiogenic events following ovary xenotransplantation. Rat ovaries were transplanted into or onto the muscle of immunocompromised CD1‐nude mice. Ovariectomy (OVX) of host mice prior to transplantation supported the resumption of follicular development, as manifested by the prevalence of antral follicles and corpora lutea. Two days after transplantation, the grafts were devoid of blood supply. Functional vessels within the graft were detected by MRI and histology from day 7 and on. By 2–3 weeks, both blood volume fraction and permeability in the graft, as measured with the use of albumin‐based MR contrast material, were significantly elevated relative to the adjacent muscle. Extravasation of contrast material from the graft neovasculature was followed by interstitial convection in the muscle surrounding the graft, and draining toward the proximal popliteal lymph node. Development of the vasculature was monitored noninvasively, providing a time scale for revascularization and recovery of ovarian function following xenotransplantation of ovarian grafts. Magn Reson Med 52:741–750, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Highly parallel volumetric imaging with a 32‐element RF coil array
Authors: Zhu Yudong , Hardy Christopher J. , Sodickson Daniel K. , Giaquinto Randy O. , Dumoulin Charles L. , Kenwood Gontran , Niendorf Thoralf , Lejay Hubert , McKenzie Charles A. , Ohliger Michael A. , Rofsky Neil M.
Published: September 2004

The improvement of MRI speed with parallel acquisition is ultimately an SNR‐limited process. To offset acquisition‐ and reconstruction‐related SNR losses, practical parallel imaging at high accelerations should include the use of a many‐element array with a high intrinsic signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and spatial‐encoding capability, and an advantageous imaging paradigm. We present a 32‐element receive‐coil array and a volumetric paradigm that address the SNR challenge at high accelerations by maximally exploiting multidimensional acceleration in conjunction with noise averaging. Geometric details beyond an initial design concept for the array were determined with the guidance of simulations. Imaging with the support of 32‐channel data acquisition systems produced in vivo results with up to 16‐fold acceleration, including images from rapid abdominal and MRA studies. Magn Reson Med 52:869–877, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of myocardial viability in rats: Evaluation of a new method using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and Gd‐DOTA at high magnetic field
Authors: Chapon Catherine , Lemaire Laurent , Franconi Florence , Marescaux Laurent , Legras Pierre , Denizot Benoit , Le Jeune Jean‐Jacques
Published: September 2004

The aim of this study was to detect salvageable peri‐infarction myocardium by MRI in rats after infarction, using with a double contrast agent (CA) protocol at 7 Tesla. Intravascular superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and an extracellular paramagnetic CA (Gd‐DOTA) were used to characterize the peri‐infarction zone, which may recover function after reperfusion occurs. Infarcted areas measured from T1‐weighted (T1‐w) images post Gd‐DOTA administration were overestimated compared to histological TTC staining (52% ± 3% of LV surface area vs. 40% ± 3%, P = 0.03) or to T2‐w images post SPIO administration (41% ± 4%, P = 0.04), whereas areas measured from T2‐w images post SPIO administration were not significantly different from those measured histologically (P = 0.7). Viable and nonviable myocardium portions of ischemically injured myocardium were enhanced after diffusive Gd‐DOTA injection. The subsequent injection of vascular SPIO nanoparticles enables the discrimination of viable peri‐infarction regions by specifically altering the signal of the still‐vascularized myocardium. Magn Reson Med 52:932–936, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple mouse biological loading and monitoring system for MRI
Authors: Dazai Jun , Bock Nicholas A. , Nieman Brian J. , Davidson Lorinda M. , Henkelman R. Mark , Chen X. Josette
Published: September 2004

The use of mice to study models of human disease has resulted in a surge of interest in developing mouse MRI. The ability to take 3D, high‐resolution images of live mice allows significant insight into anatomy and function. However, with imaging times on the order of hours, high throughput of specimens has been problematic. To facilitate high throughput, concurrent imaging of multiple mice has been developed; however, this poses further complexities regarding the ease and rapidity of loading several animals. In this study, custom‐built equipment was developed to streamline the preparation process and to safely maintain seven mice during a multiple‐mouse imaging session. Total preparation time for seven mice was ∼24 min. ECG and temperature were monitored throughout the scan and maintained by regulating anesthetic and heating. Proof of principle was demonstrated in a 3‐h imaging session of seven mice. Magn Reson Med 52:709–715, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved venous suppression and spatial resolution with SENSE in elliptical centric 3D contrast‐enhanced MR angiography
Authors: Hu Houchun H. , Madhuranthakam Ananth J. , Kruger David G. , Huston John , Riederer Stephen J.
Published: September 2004

The elliptical centric (EC) view order samples a 3DFT acquisition from the center of k‐space outward, and when applied to contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (CE‐MRA) provides intrinsic venous suppression. This is because the veins enhance several seconds after the scan is initiated, and are thus encoded solely by noncentral k‐space frequencies. A separate method, sensitivity encoding (SENSE), accelerates the k‐space sampling rate by reducing the phase FOV or, equivalently, by increasing the k‐space sampling interval, and has been used to increase spatiotemporal resolution. We hypothesized that by combining SENSE with EC, sampling of central k‐space would be accelerated and the k‐space radius at which the veins first showed contrast enhancement would be increased over a reference scan, thus providing improved venous suppression and spatial resolution without additional scan time. This hypothesis was studied with the use of phantom and carotid CE‐MRA experiments, and the results demonstrated an approximate 25% reduction in venous signal when SENSE was used. Magn Reson Med 52:761–765, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time‐resolved 3D MR angiography of the abdomen with a real‐time system
Authors: Wieben Oliver , Grist Thomas M. , Hany Thomas F. , Thornton Frank J. , Glaser John K. , Skuldt Dean H. , Block Walter F.
Published: September 2004

This study reports on the implementation of a real‐time MR acquisition, reconstruction, and display system on standard hardware for 3D contrast‐enhanced MR abdominal angiography. The system allows for dynamic imaging of the contrast passage with good spatial resolution in a single breathhold. It is capable of synchronously acquiring and processing multiple coil data. Bolus arrival can be detected confidently from the display of MIP images from sagittal 3D slabs with moderate spatial resolution. Upon detection of the contrast agent, the patient is asked to hold their breath and a novel 3D acquisition is started for a coronal volume. Temporal imaging within the breathhold is achieved through applying a modified time‐resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) technique with elliptical centric view ordering. The technique displays contrast passage from the arterial phase through enhancement of the hepatic venous system. It also provides the ability to quantify motion of the diaphragm over a long breathhold. Magn Reson Med 52:921–926, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simple model of double adiabatic inversion (DAI) efficiency
Authors: Gach H. Michael , Dai Weiying
Published: September 2004

Multislice continuous arterial spin labeling (CASL) using alternating single adiabatic inversion (SAI) and double adiabatic inversion (DAI) (ASD) suffers from control inefficiencies that reduce the perfusion signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). A simple analytic model for DAI efficiency (χ) is presented, and compared with simulation and experimental data. The DAI efficiency (defined as the ratio of uninverted to equilibrium spins) depends primarily on the effective adiabaticity (β′) and the inversion time (both determined from the labeling RF field and gradient amplitudes, and flow velocities). In this study, χ behaved like a damped oscillator, starting from 1 at β′ = 0 (no spin inversion), dropping to 0.5 at β′ = 0.5 (spin saturation), rising again to a peak at β′ ∼ 3, and subsequently oscillating at higher β′. The simple model matched the flow phantom data for β′ < 2, with an accuracy of better than 10%, but it diverged from the flow phantom data as the data oscillated at higher β′. The relative inversion efficiencies of ASD and simultaneous proximal and distal irradiation (SPDI) were measured in 28 elderly volunteers. The ratio of CASL difference (control ‐ label) signals measured in gray matter (= 1.16 ± 0.05), and the simple efficiency models (= 1.13 ± 0.02) had a correlation coefficient of 0.974. Magn Reson Med 52:941–946, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multidimensional proteomic analysis of photosynthetic membrane proteins by liquid extraction‐ultracentrifugation‐liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Huber Christian G. , Walcher Wolfgang , Timperio Anna‐Maria , Troiani Sonia , Porceddu Andrea , Zolla Lello
Published: September 2004

The membrane protein components of photosystem I (PSI) and II (PSII) from different species were prefractionated by liquid extraction and sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation and subsequently analyzed by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (RP‐HPLC‐ESI‐MS) using poly‐(styrene‐divinylbenzene)‐based monolithic capillary columns. The analytical method was shown to be very flexible and enabled the identification of antenna proteins as well as most of the proteins of the reaction center from PSI and PSII in various plant species with few RP‐HPLC‐ESI‐MS analyses necessitating only minor adaptations in the gradients of acetonitrile in 0.05% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid. The membrane proteins, ranging in molecular mass (Mr) from 4196 (I protein) to more than 80 000 (PSI A/B) as well as isoforms were identified on the basis of their intact Mr and comparison with Mr deduced from known DNA or protein sequences. High quality mass spectra enabled the identification and quantitation of the nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated reaction center subunits D1, D2, and CP43 of PSII, containing five to seven membrane‐spanning α‐helices. Because of its high flexibility and suitability for proteins having a very wide range of Mr and hydrophobicities, the method is generally applicable to the analysis of complex mixtures of membrane proteins.
Identification of antigenic proteins from Neospora caninum recognized by bovine immunoglobulins M, E, A and G using immunoproteomics
Authors: Shin Yong‐seung , Lee Eung‐goo , Shin Gee‐wook , Kim Young‐rim , Lee Eun‐young , Kim Jae‐hoon , Jang Hwan , Gershwin Laurel J. , Kim Dae‐yong , Kim Yong‐hwan , Kim Gon‐sup , Suh Myung‐deuk , Jung Tae‐sung
Published: September 2004

Antigenic proteins of Neospora caninum (N. caninum) against bovine immunoglobulins M, E, A, and G were investigated by using immunoproteomics. Proteins of N. caninum (KBA‐2) tachyzoite lysates separated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis were transferred to polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes, probed with different bovine immunoglobulin class and classified. Antigenic spots recognized were also identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) analysis. 132, 84, 4, and 40 antigenic protein spots were recognized on N. caninum immunoblot profiles against bovine IgM, IgE, IgA, and IgG, respectively. Of these protein spots, the antigenic proteins recognized by either IgM, IgE, and IgG, or IgM and IgG were HSP70, pyruvate kinase, actin, NCDG‐1, tubulin α‐chain, and putative ribosomal protein S2. On the other hand, IgM, IgE, and IgA reacted with NTPase, HSP60, tubulin β‐chain, putative protein disulfide isomerase, enolase, lactate dehydrogenase, serine‐threonine phosphatase, 14‐3‐3 protein homologue, and GRA2 protein. Most of the antigenic proteins identified were associated with the process of invasion, proliferation, and egression of apicomplexans. In our study, HSP70, actin, NTPase, HSP60, pyruvate kinase, enolase, putative ribosomal protein S2, NCDG‐1, and GRA2 proteins were found to be immunodominant proteins, which may contribute to the development of diagnostic markers and vaccine.
Identification of B‐cell translocation gene 1 as a biomarker for monitoring the remission of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Cho Jae‐We , Kim Jeong Jung , Park Sung Goo , Lee Do Hee , Lee Sang Chul , Kim Hyeoung‐Joon , Park Byoung Chul , Cho Sayeon
Published: September 2004

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a biologically heterogeneous disease of the hematopoietic system characterized by a clonal accumulation of immature blast cells in bone marrow. We used a proteomic approach based on two‐dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to search for biomarkers related to the complete remission (CR) state of AML patients. We detected one AML‐related protein, which was identified as the B‐cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) protein that belongs to anti‐proliferative protein family. In the CR state of AML‐M2 and M3 patients (by French‐American‐British subtype classification), the BTG1 protein was upregulated in bone marrow mononuclear cells. It was also expressed robustly in normal bone marrow mononuclear cells. In addition, the BTG1 levels in AML‐M2 patients in a non‐remission state after therapy did not increase as they did before therapy. Overexpression of BTG1 mRNA was also observed in the CR state of all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA)‐treated AML‐M3 patients and ATRA‐treated HL‐60 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that BTG1 may play a role in the differentiation process of myeloid cells and can therefore be used as a potential treatment‐related biomarker for monitoring the remission status of AML‐M2 and M3 patients.
Identification of oxidized mitochondrial proteins in alcohol‐exposed human hepatoma cells and mouse liver
Authors: Suh Soo‐Kyung , Hood Brian L. , Kim Bong‐Jo , Conrads Thomas P. , Veenstra Timothy D. , Song Byoung J.
Published: September 2004

Heavy alcohol consumption can damage various cells and organs partly through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Treatment with antioxidants can significantly reduce the degree of damage. Despite well established roles of ROS in alcohol‐induced cell injury, the proteins that are selectively oxidized by ROS are poorly characterized. We hypothesized that certain cysteinyl residues of target proteins are oxidized by ROS upon alcohol exposure, and these modified proteins may play roles in mitochondrial dysfunction. A targeted proteomics approach utilizing biotin‐N‐maleimide (biotin‐NM) as a specific probe to label oxidized cysteinyl residues was employed to investigate which mitochondrial proteins are modified during and after alcohol exposure. Human hepatoma HepG2 cells with transduced CYP2E1 (E47 cells) were used as a model to generate ROS through CYP2E1‐mediated ethanol metabolism. Following exposure to 100 mM ethanol for 4 and 8 h, the biotin‐NM‐labeled oxidized proteins were purified with agarose coupled to either streptavidin or monoclonal antibody against biotin. The purified proteins were resolved by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and protein spots that displayed differential abundances were excised from the gel, in‐gel digested with trypsin and analyzed for identity utilizing either matrix‐assisted laser desorption‐time of flight mass spectrometry or microcapillary reversed‐phase liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The results demonstrate that heat shock protein 60, protein disulfide isomerase, mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenases, prohibitin, and other proteins were oxidized after alcohol exposure. The identity of some of the proteins purified with streptavidin‐agarose was also confirmed by immunoblot analyses using the specific antibody to each target protein. This method was also used to identify oxidized mitochondrial proteins in the alcohol‐fed mouse liver. These results suggest that exposure to ethanol causes oxidation of various mitochondrial proteins that may negatively affect their function and contribute to alcohol‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular injury.
Identification of a novel protein D3UPCA from Halobacterium salinarum and prediction of its function
Authors: Lee Moon‐Sup , Joo Won‐A , Kim Chan‐Wha
Published: September 2004

Halobacterium salinarum is an extremely halophilic archaea, which is able to live in highly saline environments. In a recent study, several halophilic archaea were found to have the ability to biodegrade organic hydrocarbon pollutants, but protein information regarding hydrocarbon degradation and tolerance in halophilic archaea has been relatively rare. In this study, the protein expression profile of H. salinarum cultured under different diesel concentrations (0, 2 and 4%) was investigated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Proteins which increased their expression levels in diesel media were identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight and electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Among these, a protein spot (named D3UPCA) which was up‐regulated about nine‐fold and found to have COG3388, an uncharacterized protein conserved in archaea, was selected in order to further characterize its functions. The D3UPCA coding gene (named d3upca) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified by the glutathione‐S‐transferase‐fusion method. The function of the protein was estimated using various bioinformatics tools and was predicted to be related to the regulation of transcription and/or translation of genes needed to tolerate stresses associated within the presence of diesel oil.
Synthesis and characterization of well‐defined poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐styrene)‐graft‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) by sequential controlled polymerization
Authors: Xu Xuewei , Huang Junlian
Published: September 2004

A new graft copolymer, poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐styrene) ‐graft‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone), was prepared by combination of reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) with coordination‐insertion ring‐opening polymerization (ROP). The copolymerization of styrene (St) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was carried out at 60 °C in the presence of 2‐phenylprop‐2‐yl dithiobenzoate (PPDTB) using AIBN as initiator. The molecular weight of poly (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐styrene) [poly(HEMA‐co‐St)] increased with the monomer conversion, and the molecular weight distribution was in the range of 1.09 ∼ 1.39. The ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ϵ‐caprolactone was then initiated by the hydroxyl groups of the poly(HEMA‐co‐St) precursors in the presence of stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)2). GPC and 1H‐NMR data demonstrated the polymerization courses are under control, and nearly all hydroxyl groups took part in the initiation. The efficiency of grafting was very high. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5523–5529, 2004
Hyperbranched‐polyethyleneiminated functional polymers. III. Synthesizing thiophosphate‐containing pseudodendritic poly‐ethyleneiminated polyoxypropylenediamine and its behavior at an oil/metal interface under extreme pressure
Authors: Kuo Ping‐Lin , Ni Sheng‐Chung
Published: September 2004

A simple synthetic route for preparing a thiophosphate‐containing pseudodendritic polyethyleneiminated polyoxypropylenediamine, D400(EI)xP, is presented. The number of ethyleneimine group (EI) in D400(EI)xP was determined by 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR to be 4.3 for D400(EI)4P and 8.9 for D400(EI)8P, and the extent of branch was quantitatively determined using potentiometric titration. The numbers of thiophosphate groups per thiophosphate‐containing pseudodendritic polymers molecule for D400(EI)0P, D400(EI)4P, and D400(EI)8P were calculated by elemental analyses of sulfur content. The AW performance of these synthesized thiophosphate‐containing pseudodendritic polymers was examined by measuring the temperature of oil, and the frictional coefficient and electrical contact resistance between the two metal surfaces. More thiophosphate groups on either side of D400(EI)8P are found to increase the electrical contact resistance due to the chemical adsorption of thiophosphate groups onto metal surfaces, forming a thick layer and reducing operating time required to form the adsorption layer. Interestingly, the adsorption layers markedly reduce the frictional coefficient (∼ 0.012) and limit the increase in oil temperature (∼ 90 °C) throughout the entire period of AW test, reducing weight loss of the metal (0.1 mg). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5504–5513, 2004
Effect of solvent quality on kinetics of tethered layer formation
Authors: Huang Heqing , Fulchiero Erin C. , Penn Lynn S.
Published: September 2004

We conducted a study of the effect of solvent quality on the kinetics of formation of a layer of polymer chains tethered to a solid substrate. In these experiments, tethering was accomplished by means of chemical bond formation between reactive sites on the surface and the end‐functional groups of the polymer chains in solution. All experimental variables were held constant except for the χ‐parameter between the polymer and solvent. Variation in the χ‐parameter was achieved by use of a series of nonpolar, organic solvents. The distinct three‐regime kinetics, typical of tethering reactions run in a good solvent and in the absence of segmental adsorption, was observed over the range of values for the χ‐parameter. As expected, an increase in the χ‐parameter (a decrease in solvent quality) did result in increased tethering density, but, contrary to expectation, no increase in tethering rate was observed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5530–5537, 2004
N. Charton, A. Feldermann, A. Theis, M. H. Stenzel, T. P. Davis, C. Barner‐Kowollik, Initiator efficiency of 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) in bulk dodecyl acrylate free‐radical polymerizations over a wide conversion and molecular weight range (2004) 42(20) 5170–5179
Authors: Charton Nathalie , Feldermann Achim , Theis Alexander , Stenzel Martina H. , Davis Thomas P. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: September 2004

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem (2004) 42(20) 5170–5179.

No abstract.
Polyaniline/poly(methyl methacrylate) coaxial fibers: The fabrication and effects of the solution properties on the morphology of electrospun core fibers
Authors: Dong Hong , Nyame Verrad , MacDiarmid Alan G. , Jones Wayne E.
Published: September 2004

Electrically conductive polyaniline (PANi)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) coaxial fibers were prepared through the chemical deposition of PANi onto preformed PMMA fibers via in situ polymerization. PMMA fibers were prepared as core materials via electrospinning. Spectral studies and scanning electron microscopy observations indicated the formation of PANi/PMMA coaxial fibers with a diameter of approximately 290 nm and a PANi layer thickness of approximately 30 nm. The conductivity of the PANi/PMMA coaxial fibers was significantly higher than that of electrospun fibers of PANi/poly(ethylene oxide) blends and blend cast films of the same PANi composition. To reproducibly generate uniform‐core polymer fibers, the organic solution properties that affected the morphology and diameter of the electrospun fibers were investigated. The polymer molecular weight, solution concentration, solvent dielectric constant, and addition of soluble organic salts were strongly correlated to the morphology of the electrospun fiber mat. In particular, the dielectric constants of the solvents substantially influenced both the fiber diameter and bead formation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3934–3942, 2004
Order in amorphous di‐n‐alkyl itaconate polymers, copolymers, and blends
Authors: Arrighi V. , Holmes P. F. , McEwen I. J. , Qian H. , Terrill N. J.
Published: September 2004

The presence of a main‐chain correlation distance (dII) in the poly(di‐n‐alkyl itaconate)s was confirmed with small‐angle X‐ray scattering/wide‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements taken over the temperature range of 293–478 K. Data for a series of alkyl acrylate polymers were also obtained for comparison. The intensity of the itaconate dII peak was significant and indicated a greater level of nanophase formation than in analogous systems. In the lower members of the series, nanophase formation appeared to be further enhanced in the temperature range above the glass‐transition temperature (Tg). This was ascribed to the rapidly increasing main‐chain mobility in this region. Macroscopically phase‐separated itaconate blends displayed the individual dII nanospacings of each homopolymer component. Copolymers, on the other hand, showed more interesting behavior. Poly(methyl‐co‐di‐n‐butyl itaconate) followed an average behavior in which the dII spacing and Tg changed progressively with the comonomer content. In contrast, the side‐chain pairing in poly(methyl‐co‐di‐n‐octyl itaconate) generated dII spacings characteristic of separate methyl and octyl nanodomains. The observation of the dioctyl nanodomains, along with the dioctyl side‐chain lower Tg relaxation event, confirmed the concept of independent side‐chain‐domain relaxation in these polymers. The temperature behavior of the poly(methyl‐co‐di‐n‐octyl itaconate) small‐angle X‐ray scattering profiles and scattering correlation lengths indicated that the two nanodomains were not completely structurally independent. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4000–4016, 2004
Crystalline transition of polyamide‐10,20 investigated by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Cui Xiaowen , Yan Deyue
Published: September 2004

Real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the crystalline transition of even–even polyamide‐10,20. During the crystalline transition, the intensity of the hydrogen bonds became weak, the twisting of the CCO and CN bonds improved, and the gauche conformation of the CH2 sequences increased, along with the strengthening of the vibration of the methylene units. The ordered stacking of methylene segments with the trans‐zigzag conformation gradually became disordered by the insertion of the gauche conformation upon heating. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4017–4022, 2004
Participation as an expression of patient uncertainty: An exploration of bowel cancer consultations
Authors: Sanders Tom , Skevington Suzanne
Published: September 2004

Aims: The paper explores the factors that influence patient involvement in treatment decision‐making.

Methods: An observation study of 49 new consultations between oncologists and recently diagnosed bowel cancer patients was conducted at a regional cancer centre in the South West of England. The dialogue was recorded verbatim during each consultation and transcribed. The data were coded into relevant themes and analysed using the constant comparison method.

Results: A significant minority (23 out of 49) of patients were involved to varying degrees in decision‐making. ‘Active’ involvement usually resulted from: (1) conflicting expectations between the doctor and the patient about the most appropriate treatment; (2) unexpected information; (3) issues related to treatment costs and benefits and (4) the lack of a clear treatment recommendation from the oncologist.

Conclusion: The informed consent procedure requests that full information is provided to patients about their condition and its treatment, although there is no parallel requirement to offer an interpretation of the information. In order to help patients make optimal decisions regarding treatment, oncologists need to provide an adequate level of information as well as interpretation to patients about the pros and cons of treatment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining dignity in terminally ill cancer patients: A factor‐analytic approach
Authors: Hack Thomas F. , Chochinov Harvey Max , Hassard Thomas , Kristjanson Linda J. , McClement Susan , Harlos Mike
Published: September 2004

The construct of ‘dignity’ is frequently raised in discussions about quality end of life care for terminal cancer patients, and is invoked by parties on both sides of the euthanasia debate. Lacking in this general debate has been an empirical explication of ‘dignity’ from the viewpoint of cancer patients themselves. The purpose of the present study was to use factor‐analytic and regression methods to analyze dignity data gathered from 213 cancer patients having less than 6 months to live. Patients rated their sense of dignity, and completed measures of symptom distress and psychological well‐being. The results showed that although the majority of patients had an intact sense of dignity, there were 99 (46%) patients who reported at least some, or occasional loss of dignity, and 16 (7.5%) patients who indicated that loss of dignity was a significant problem. The exploratory factor analysis yielded six primary factors: (1) Pain; (2) Intimate Dependency; (3) Hopelessness/Depression; (4) Informal Support Network; (5) Formal Support Network; and (6) Quality of Life. Subsequent regression analyses of modifiable factors produced a final two‐factor (Hopelessness/Depression and Intimate Dependency) model of statistical significance. These results provide empirical support for the dignity model, and suggest that the provision of end of life care should include methods for treating depression, fostering hope, and facilitating functional independence. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antifungal properties of pristimerin and celastrol isolated from Celastrus hypoleucus
Authors: Luo Du‐Qiang , Wang Hong , Tian Xuan , Shao Hong‐Jun , Liu Ji‐Kai
Published: September 2004

Pristimerin and celastrol isolated from the roots of Celastrus hypoleucus (Oliv) Warb f argutior Loes exhibited inhibitory effects against diverse phytopathogenic fungi. Pristimerin and celastrol were found to inhibit the mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and Glomerella cingulata (Stonem) Spauld & Schrenk in vitro by 83.6 and 62.6%, respectively, at 10 µg ml−1. Pristimerin showed good preventive effect (96.7% at 100 µg ml−1) and curative effect (66.5% at 100 µg ml−1) against wheat powdery mildew in vivo. For celastrol, the preventive and curative effects against wheat powdery mildew were 80.5 and 45.4%, respectively, at 100 µg ml−1. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of the RFLP‐PCR diagnostic test for characterizing MACE and kdr insecticide resistance in the peach potato aphid Myzus persicae
Authors: Cassanelli Stefano , Cerchiari Barbara , Giannini Sara , Bizzaro Davide , Mazzoni Emanuele , Manicardi Gian Carlo
Published: September 2004

The peach‐potato aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) has developed a number of insecticide resistance mechanisms owing to the high selective pressure produced by world‐wide insecticide treatments. Knowledge of the geographical distribution and the temporal evolution of these resistant phenotypes helps to develop suitable pest‐management programs. Current understanding of the major mechanisms of resistance at the molecular level makes it possible to diagnose the presence of modified acetylcholinesterase (MACE) or knockdown resistance (kdr). This paper describes a rapid method for the identification of both resistance mechanisms in a single molecular assay by using restriction fragment length polymorphism of PCR products (RFLP‐PCR) in individual as well as pooled aphids. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Electron interaction in weakly confining quantum dot potentials
Authors: Winkler Peter
Published: September 2004

The electronic structure of three model potentials for quantum dots has been studied. The potentials are of finite depth and spherical symmetry and have a range between 5 to 25 nm. The sequence of electronic states differs markedly from the one familiar from atomic systems. The occurrence of high angular momentum components in low‐energy excited states is particular noteworthy. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Theoretical prediction of the contact distance dependence of the electron transfer reactivity of the ClO/ClO− coupling system
Authors: Yan Shihai , Bu Yuxiang , Sun Lixiang
Published: September 2004

On the basis of the structures and properties of the ClO/ClO− system obtained at the density functional theory (DFT) (UB3LYP) level, employing the 6‐311+G(3df) standard basis set, the electron transfer reactivity of this system is investigated. The results indicate that there are five possible stable coupling complexes that correspond to the generous minima on the global potential energy surfaces (PES). The most stable coupling complex is planar EC4, in which there is a OO linkage with two trans‐Cl atoms. Their stabilization energies are calculated to be 20.57 (EC1: C1), 20.54 (EC2: C2, 2B), 20.69 (EC3: C1), 20.70 (EC4: Cs, 2A′), and 20.69 (EC.5: C2h, 2Bu) kcal/mol at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(3df) level; with the correction of the basis set superposition error (BSSE), the stability order of these encounter complexes is EC4 > EC.5 > EC3 > EC1 > EC2. Based on the five encounter complexes, five coupling modes are designed for the study of the electron transfer reactivity of this system. The dissociation energy curves at the activated states and the corresponding activation energies of these five coupling modes are obtained and are compared at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(3df) and MP2/6‐311+G* levels. The inapplicability of DFT methods has also been discussed in this article in predicting the energy curves, especially with a long contact distance, in which DFT methods give the abnormal behavior for the dissociations of the complexes caused by the “inverse symmetry breaking” problem. On the basis of the golden rule of the time‐dependent perturbation theory, the electron transfer reactivity and the contact distance dependence of the various electron transfer kinetics parameters (e.g., activation energy, coupling matrix element) have been analyzed at the UMP2(full)/6‐311+G* level. The electron transfer can take place over a range of contact distances, but the most effective coupling distance corresponds to only a small range. The coupling orientation analyses also indicate that the most favorable coupling mode to the electron transfer does not always correspond to the most stable encounter complex mechanism. Some highly energetic coupling modes are more favorable for the electron transfer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Combination of direct and indirect evidence in mixed treatment comparisons
Authors: Lu G. , Ades A. E.
Published: September 2004

Mixed treatment comparison (MTC) meta‐analysis is a generalization of standard pairwise meta‐analysis for A vs B trials, to data structures that include, for example, A vs B, B vs C, and A vs C trials. There are two roles for MTC: one is to strengthen inference concerning the relative efficacy of two treatments, by including both ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ comparisons. The other is to facilitate simultaneous inference regarding all treatments, in order for example to select the best treatment. In this paper, we present a range of Bayesian hierarchical models using the Markov chain Monte Carlo software WinBUGS. These are multivariate random effects models that allow for variation in true treatment effects across trials. We consider models where the between‐trials variance is homogeneous across treatment comparisons as well as heterogeneous variance models. We also compare models with fixed (unconstrained) baseline study effects with models with random baselines drawn from a common distribution. These models are applied to an illustrative data set and posterior parameter distributions are compared. We discuss model critique and model selection, illustrating the role of Bayesian deviance analysis, and node‐based model criticism. The assumptions underlying the MTC models and their parameterization are also discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.