bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica) flavour constituents—chiral evaluation (MDGC–MS) and isotope ratio (HRGC–IRMS) analysis
Authors: Weckerle Bernhard , Bastl‐Borrmann Renate , Richling Elke , Hör Katja , Ruff Christiane , Schreier Peter
Published: August 2002

Among the volatiles isolated by solvent extraction from cactus pear fruit (Opuntia ficus indica) and identified by HRGC–MS, selected chiral and achiral constituents were characterized by enantiodifferentiation and 13C/12C isotope ratio analysis, using multidimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (MDGC–MS) and on‐line gas chromatography–combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HRGC‐C‐IRMS), respectively. While the enantiodistributions determined for methyl 2‐methylbutanoate (98 : 2%, S : R), methyl 3‐hydroxybutanoate (73 : 27%, R : S), 1‐phenyl‐ethanol (74 : 26%, R : S), linalool (68 : 32%, R : S), γ‐nonalactone (65 : 35%, S : R), γ‐deca‐lactone (79 : 21%, R : S) and γ‐dodecalactone (>99% R) can be discussed in relation to data previously provided for these compounds from various plant origins, the δ13C values of −22.0‰, −21.8‰, −19.1‰ and −20.9‰, measured for 1‐hexanol, E‐2‐hexenol, E‐2‐nonenol and E,Z‐2,6‐nonadienol, respectively, are clear‐cut indicators for their origin from plants with Crassulaceae acid metabolism (CAM), and thus may helpful for authenticity evaluations. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fourth‐order exponential finite difference methods for boundary value problems of convective diffusion type
Authors: Radhakrishna Pillai A. C.
Published: August 2002

Methods based on exponential finite difference approximations of h4 accuracy are developed to solve one and two‐dimensional convection–diffusion type differential equations with constant and variable convection coefficients. In the one‐dimensional case, the numerical scheme developed uses three points. For the two‐dimensional case, even though nine points are used, the successive line overrelaxation approach with alternating direction implicit procedure enables us to deal with tri‐diagonal systems. The methods are applied on a number of linear and non‐linear problems, mostly with large first derivative terms, in particular, fluid flow problems with boundary layers. Better accuracy is obtained in all the problems, compared with the available results in the literature. Application of an exponential scheme with a non‐uniform mesh is also illustrated. The h4 accuracy of the schemes is also computationally demonstrated. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Footbridge between finite volumes and finite elements with applications to CFD
Authors: Pascal Frédéric , Ghidaglia Jean‐Michel
Published: August 2002

The aim of this paper is to introduce a new algorithm for the discretization of second‐order elliptic operators in the context of finite volume schemes on unstructured meshes. We are strongly motivated by partial differential equations (PDEs) arising in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), like the compressible Navier–Stokes equations. Our technique consists of matching up a finite volume discretization based on a given mesh with a finite element representation on the same mesh. An inverse operator is also built, which has the desirable property that in the absence of diffusion, one recovers exactly the finite volume solution. Numerical results are also provided. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A moving frame of reference algorithm for fluid/structure interaction of rotating and translating bodies
Authors: Li L. , Sherwin S. J. , Bearman P. W.
Published: August 2002

A mathematical and numerical formulation is derived for fluid/structure interaction problems involving arbitrary geometries relevant to the simulation of bridge deck instabilities due to cross winds. A translating and rotating moving frame of reference is attached to the body to utilize an efficient fixed mesh spectral/hp element solver. The formulation is validated against experiments with flow simulations of circular cylinders at Reynolds numbers of 100–400 undergoing free and forced motion in the transverse and in‐line directions. The well‐documented phenomena of vortex lock‐in is captured. The formulation is then applied a rectangular body at Re=250 under forced and free motion the latter of which demonstrates torsional galloping. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
t(10;11)‐Acute leukemias with MLL‐AF10 and MLL‐ABI1 chimeric transcripts: Specific expression patterns of ABI1 gene in leukemia and solid tumor cell lines
Authors: Shibuya Noriko , Taki Tomohiko , Mugishima Hideo , Chin Motoaki , Tsuchida Masahiro , Sako Masahiro , Kawa Keisei , Ishii Eiichi , Miura Ikuo , Yanagisawa Masayoshi , Hayashi Yasuhide
Published: August 2002

The recurrent translocation t(10;11) is associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The AF10 gene on chromosome 10 at band p12 and MLL at 11q23 fuse in the t(10;11)(p12;q23). Recently, we have identified ABI1 as a new partner gene for MLL in an AML patient with a t(10;11)(p11.2;q23). The ABI1 is a human homologue of the mouse Abl‐interactor 1 (Abi1), encoding an Abl‐binding protein. The ABI1 protein exhibits sequence similarity to homeotic genes, and contains several polyproline stretches and a src homology 3 (SH3) domain. To clarify the clinical features of t(10;11)‐leukemias, we investigated 6 samples from acute leukemia patients with t(10;11) and MLL rearrangement and detected MLL‐AF10 chimeric transcripts in 5 samples and MLL‐ABI1 in one. The patient with MLL‐ABI1 chimeric transcript is the second case described, thus confirming that the fusion of the MLL and ABI1 genes is a recurring abnormality. Both of the patients with MLL‐ABI1 chimeric transcript are surviving, suggesting that these patients have a better prognosis than the patients with MLL‐AF10. To investigate the roles of AF10 and ABI1 further, we examined the expression of these genes in various cell lines and fresh tumor samples using the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction method. Although AF10 was expressed in almost all cell lines similarly, the expression patterns of ABI1 were different between leukemia and solid tumor cell lines, suggesting the distinctive role of each isoform of ABI1 in these cell lines. We also determined the complete mouse Abi1 sequence and found that the sequence matched with human ABI1 better than the originally reported Abi1 sequence. Further functional analysis of the MLL‐AF10 and MLL‐ABI1 fusion proteins will provide new insights into the leukemogenesis of t(10;11)‐AML. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The microstratigraphic record of abrupt climate changes in cave sediments of the Western Mediterranean
Authors: Courty Marie‐Agnès , Vallverdu Josep
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how calcareous sediments from Pleistocene and Holocene rockshelters and open caves of the Western Mediterranean can provide a stratigraphic record of abrupt climate change. The method proposed here is based on microstratigraphic examination of sedimentary sequences using microscopic techniques. The most important processes for characterizing the sensitivity of each cave to climate variables are: (1) the modes and rate of carbonate sediment production, (2) the nature and intensity of the pedogenic processes responsible for the synchronous alteration of carbonate materials (either those derived from the cave walls or those deposited on the ground surface), and (3) the supply of allogenic sediments, particularly by eolian activity. The cave sediment sequences presented record the marked coolings known as Dansgaard‐Oeschger stadials and Heinrich events that occurred during the Pleistocene and the Holocene, as demonstrated by the high resolution records from ice and deep sea cores. At Abric Romanì in northeastern Spain, a series of sharp climatic deteriorations of increasing severity is shown to have occurred synchronously with the transition from the Middle to the Upper Paleolithic, with a period of seasonal frost and strong winds at ca. 37,000 yr B.P., tentatively correlated with Heinrich event 4. At Pigeon Cave, Taforalt (northern Morocco), the transition from the Aterian to Ibero‐Maurusian/Epipalaeolithic cultures is dated to around 24,000–20,000 yr B.P. and is punctuated by a series of short cold pulses with evidence for seasonal freezing, soil erosion, and minimal evapotranspiration. In El Miron cave in north‐central Spain, the exceptional nature of the Younger Dryas cooling produced a marked destabilization of the cave walls and roof. At El Miron, the stratigraphic evidence for sediment removal due to the rapid percolation of snow melt under a degraded soil cover allows us to reconstruct the nature of the negative excursion at ca. 8200 yr B.P. This example also illustrates how climate‐controlled pedogenic processes can create a stratigraphic signature which has often been confused with a sedimentary hiatus. We conclude that cave sediments provide a valuable record of Pleistocene and Holocene climate changes. In appropriate contexts, these sequences allow us to examine the ecological stress generated by these unique global events at a local and regional level and improve our understanding of the complex anthropological processes that occurred at the same time. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of the maritime Sites and Monuments Record with side‐scan sonar and diver surveys: A case study from Rathlin Island, Ireland
Authors: Quinn Rory , Forsythe Wes , Breen Colin , Dean Martin , Lawrence Mark , Liscoe Steve
Published: August 2002

Rathlin Island, off the north coast of Ireland, has a history of settlement and seafaring from the Late Mesolithic period to the present day. The maritime Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) for Rathlin indicates many wrecking incidents. In 1999, a reconnaissance side‐scan sonar survey confirmed the presence of 46 targets of possible archaeological potential around Rathlin Island. Thirteen of these anomalies were positively identified as shipwrecks. Of the remaining 33 targets, nine were dived on in order to ground‐truth the geophysical data. A successful and rapid methodology of ground‐truthing side‐scan sonar data for archaeological purposes was developed. The results confirmed the presence of a Danforth Anchor at one site, while the remaining anomalies were identified as geological features. The results from the side‐scan survey and diver‐truthing exercise enhanced the existing maritime SMR. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unbiased methods for population‐based association studies
Authors: Devlin B. , Roeder Kathryn , Bacanu Silviu‐Alin
Published: August 2002

Large, population‐based samples and large‐scale genotyping are being used to evaluate disease/gene associations. A substantial drawback to such samples is the fact that population substructure can induce spurious associations between genes and disease. We review two methods, called genomic control (GC) and structured association (SA), that obviate many of the concerns about population substructure by using the features of the genomes present in the sample to correct for stratification. The GC approach exploits the fact that population substructure generates “over dispersion” of statistics used to assess association. By testing multiple polymorphisms throughout the genome, only some of which are pertinent to the disease of interest, the degree of overdispersion generated by population substructure can be estimated and taken into account. The SA approach assumes that the sampled population, although heterogeneous, is composed of subpopulations that are themselves homogeneous. By using multiple polymorphisms throughout the genome, this “latent class method” estimates the probability sampled individuals derive from each of these latent subpopulations. GC has the advantage of robustness, simplicity, and wide applicability, even to experimental designs such as DNA pooling. SA is a bit more complicated but has the advantage of greater power in some realistic settings, such as admixed populations or when association varies widely across subpopulations. It, too, is widely applicable. Both also have weaknesses, as elaborated in our review. Genet. Epidemiol. 21:273–284, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The reaction of 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]‐thiophene with diethyl malonate: synthesis of coumarin, pyridine, and thiazole derivatives
Authors: Mohareb Rafat M. , El‐Omran Fatma A. , Ho Jonathan Z.
Published: August 2002

The reaction of 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene (1) with diethyl malonate (2) gave two products: 3 and 4. The reactivity of 3 toward a variety of chemical reagents was studied to give azoles, azines, and their fused derivatives. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 12:168–175, 2001
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the maxillary sinus—A case report and nude mouse transplantable model
Authors: Noguchi Kazuma , Urade Masahiro , Sakurai Kazunari , Nishimura Norihiko , Hashitani Susumu , Kishimoto Hiromitsu
Published: August 2002

Background

A rare case of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) arising in the maxillary sinus is presented, and a SNEC tumor line serially transplantable in nude mice was established. Tumor marker for SNEC is also discussed.

Methods

The tumor tissues obtained from operated material were heterotransplanted subcutaneously into nude mice. Histopathologic studies and immunoradiometric assays for NSE and pro‐GRP in serum were performed.

Results

The primary lesion was composed of tumor nests of small cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and was positive for NSE and chromogranin A immunohistochemically. Serum levels of NSE and pro‐GRP changed dynamically, reflecting the clinical status. Nude mouse tumor showed similar histologic features to those of original tumor and expressed NSE. Neuroendocrine granules were detected in tumor cells in electron microscopy. Serum NSE level in nude mice was elevated in proportion to the relative tumor weight.

Conclusions

Serum NSE and pro‐GRP were useful tumor markers for extrapulmonary SNEC. A SNEC tumor transplantable in nude mice would provide a valuable model for characterization of this lesion. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐fire runoff and erosion from simulated rainfall on small plots, Colorado Front Range
Authors: Benavides‐Solorio Juan , MacDonald Lee H
Published: August 2002

An Erratum has been published for this article in Hydrological Processes 16(5) 2002, 1131–1133.

Wildfires in the Colorado Front Range can trigger dramatic increases in runoff and erosion. A better understanding of the causes of these increases is needed to predict the effects of future wildfires, estimate runoff and erosion risks from prescribed fires, and design effective post‐fire rehabilitation treatments. The objective of this project was to determine whether runoff and sediment yields were significantly related to the site variables of burn severity, percent cover, soil water repellency, soil moisture, time since burning, and slope. To eliminate the variability due to natural rainfall events, we applied an artificial storm of approximately 80 mm h−1 on 26 1 m2 plots in the summer and fall of 2000. The plots were distributed among a June 2000 wildfire, a November 1999 prescribed fire, and a July 1994 wildfire.

For 23 of the 26 plots the ratio of runoff to rainfall exceeded 50%. Nearly all sites exhibited strong natural or fire‐induced water repellency, so the runoff ratios were only 15–30% larger for the high‐severity plots in the two more recent fires than for the unburned or low‐severity plots. The two high‐severity plots in the 1994 wildfire had very low runoff ratios, and this probably was due to the high soil moisture conditions at the time of the simulated rainfall and the resulting reduction in the natural water repellency. Sediment yields from the high‐severity sites in the two more recent fires were 10–26 times greater than the unburned and low‐severity plots. The plots burned at high severity in 1994 yielded only slightly more sediment than the unburned plots. Percent ground cover explained 81% of the variability in sediment yields, and the sediment yields from the plots in the 1994 wildfire are consistent with the observed recovery in percent ground cover. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex chromosome anomalies in pancreatic endocrine tumors
Authors: Missiaglia Edoardo , Moore Patrick S. , Williamson Jill , Lemoine Nicholas R. , Falconi Massimo , Zamboni Giuseppe , Scarpa Aldo
Published: August 2002

We have investigated the status of sex chromosomes in 40 pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) using 2 complementary techniques: microsatellite and interphase FISH analysis. Twenty‐five tumors were from female and 15 from male patients and included 31 nonfunctioning and 9 functioning PET (6 insulinomas, 2 glucagonomas and 1 VIPoma). Microsatellite and FISH analysis showed concordant results in all cases. PETs from females showed frequent loss of chromosome X (40%) whereas PETs from males showed relatively frequent loss of chromosome Y (36%) but never loss of the X chromosome. Statistical analysis showed significant association of sex chromosome loss with metastases (Spearman correlation test, r = 0.5, p < 0.001), local invasion (r = 0.33, p < 0.05) and high proliferation rate measured as Ki‐67 index with a 5% cut‐off (r = 0.42, p < 0.02). The analysis also showed that local invasion and metastases were highly correlated (r = 0.86). Multivariate survival analysis was therefore carried out including local invasion and loss of sex chromosomes. The presence of local invasion increased the risk of death almost 9 times whereas sex chromosome loss was an independent variable associated with a shorter survival period and an increased risk of death of approximately 4‐fold. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteome analysis of butyrate‐treated human colon cancer cells (HT‐29)
Authors: Tan Sandra , Seow Teck Keong , Liang Rosa Cynthia M.Y. , Koh Shiuan , Lee Christine P.C. , Chung Maxey C.M. , Hooi Shing Chuan
Published: August 2002

Butyrate, a 4‐carbon fatty acid, has been shown to cause growth arrest and apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The signaling pathways leading to changes in cell growth are unclear. We used a functional proteomics approach to delineate the pathways and mediators involved in butyrate action in HT‐29 cells at 24 hr posttreatment. Using 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, we showed that butyrate treatment resulted in alterations in the proteome of HT‐29 cells. MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry was used to identify butyrate‐regulated spots. First, our results revealed that the expression of various components of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system was altered with butyrate treatment. This suggests that, in addition to the regulation of gene expression through the histone deacetylase pathway, proteolysis could be a means by which butyrate may regulate the expression of key proteins in the control of cell cycle, apoptosis and differentiation. Second, we found that both proapoptotic proteins (capase‐4 and cathepsin D) and antiapoptotic proteins (hsp27, antioxidant protein‐2 and pyruvate dehydrogenase E1) were simultaneously upregulated in butyrate‐treated cells. Western blotting was carried out to confirm butyrate regulation of the spots. Both cathepsin D and hsp27 showed a time‐dependent increase in expression with butyrate treatment in HT‐29 cells. However, in HCT‐116 cells, which were 5‐fold more sensitive to butyrate‐induced apoptosis, the upregulation of cathepsin D with time was not accompanied by a similar increase in hsp27 levels. Thus, the simultaneous upregulation of both proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins in HT‐29 cells may account for their relative resistance to butyrate‐induced apoptosis. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monoclonal and polyclonal humoral immune response to EC HER‐2/NEUpeptides with low similarity to the host's proteome
Authors: Mittelman Abraham , Lucchese Alberta , Sinha Animesh A. , Kanduc Darja
Published: August 2002

We are studying peptide immunogenicity as a function of the similarity level to the host's proteome. By using as a model the breast/prostate cancer‐associated HER‐2/neuantigen, we analyzed the monoclonal and polyclonal humoral immune responses against HER‐2/neupeptide motifs not shared with the host proteome. We show here that(i)a mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) raised against the extracellular domain (EC) of human HER‐2/neu oncoprotein recognized a linear peptide motif endowed with low similarity level to the mouse proteome;(ii)likewise, human sera from breast/prostate cancer patients preferentially recognized peptide fragments from the EC of the HER‐2/neuoncoprotein having sequences that are not present in the human proteome. Together with previous results obtained in other disease models (cervical cancer‐associated HPV16 E7 oncoprotein andPemphigus vulgarisauto‐antigen desmoglein‐3), the present data suggest that a low level of sequence similarity to the host's proteome might be an important factor in shaping the pool of B cell epitopes. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of p53/BAX in primary colorectal carcinoma: Low BAX protein expression is a negative prognostic factor in UICC stage III tumors
Authors: Schelwies Katharina , Sturm Isrid , Grabowski Patricia , Scherübl Hans , Schindler Isabell , Hermann Sandra , Stein Harald , Buhr Heinz‐Johannes , Riecken Ernst O. , Zeitz Martin , Dörken Bernd , Daniel Peter T.
Published: August 2002

Deregulation of cell death pathways contributes to tumor development and to the clinical course of cancer disease. In patients with liver metastases of colorectal cancer, we have previously shown that an intact p53/BAX apoptotic pathway is a positive prognostic factor. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to determine the prognostic value of BAX protein expression and the mutational status of its upstream regulator p53 in primary colorectal adenocarcinoma. To this end, we analyzed retrospectively tumor samples of 116 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal adenocarcinoma and had a follow‐up for a minimum of 5 years or until death (UICC Stage III: 59 patients, UICC Stage IV: 57 patients). Tumors were screened for p53 mutations and investigated for BAX protein expression. Overall median survival was 17 months. As expected, patients with UICC III tumors survived longer than patients with UICC IV tumors: 69 months vs. 8 months (p < 0.0001). UICC III tumors with high BAX expression were associated with a significantly better prognosis (p = 0.009) than BAX low expressing tumors. The combined p53/BAX pathway analysis for the UICC Stage III group revealed the worst outcome for patients with a disrupted p53/BAX pathway (i.e., BAX low/p53 mutated; p = 0.004). In contrast, no significant effect of the p53/BAX status on survival was found in UICC IV tumors. Our study in primary adenocarcinoma of the colorectum shows for the first time that a disrupted p53/BAX pathway is associated with a poor clinical outcome in UICC III tumors. These data also confirm our previous report on the relevance of an intact p53/BAX pathway in liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, we were not able to confirm this finding in the heterogenous subgroup of UICC IV tumors of the colorectum. Our study therefore provides the basis for the analysis of defects in p53/BAX (and additional genes) in a prospective trial that is the logical basis for future risk‐adapted therapies. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Significance of transforming growth factor β1 as a new tumor marker for colorectal cancer
Authors: Narai Shin , Watanabe Masahiko , Hasegawa Hirotoshi , Nishibori Hideki , Endo Takashi , Kubota Tetsuro , Kitajima Masaki
Published: August 2002

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) is thought to be involved in cancer growth and progression. TGF‐β1 changes to its active form after being secreted in its latent form. Our aim was to clarify the significance of plasma concentrations of active and total TGF‐β1 of patients with colorectal cancer. Plasma concentrations of active and total TGF‐β1 in 45 patients with colorectal cancer and 23 healthy volunteers were measured using ELISA and the activation rate (ratio of active to total TGF‐β1) was determined. Plasma concentrations of active TGF‐β1 (21.9 ± 12.8 pg/ml) were significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in healthy volunteers (9.9 ± 5.9 pg/ml; p < 0.001, Welch's t‐test). Concentration of total TGF‐β1 was also significantly higher for patients with colorectal cancer (18.0 ± 13.0 ng/ml vs. 11.1 ± 6.4 ng/ml; p < 0.01, Welch's t‐test). However, there was no significant difference in the TGF‐β1 activation rate between the 2 groups. There was a correlation between Dukes' stage and plasma concentration of active or total TGF‐β1 (p < 0.01, Spearman's rank correlation test) and on day 7 the active TGF‐β1 levels for patients recovering from curative resection were similar to those of the control group of healthy volunteers. These results suggest that active TGF‐β1 might be used as a tumor marker for colorectal cancer. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Volatility of changes in G‐5 exchange rates and its market transmission mechanism
Authors: Huang Bwo‐Nung , Yang Chin Wei
Published: August 2002

This paper studies the transmission mechanism of G‐5 exchange rate changes within each market and across the three major markets: London, New York and Tokyo. It is found that the volatility in both the London and New York markets leads that of Tokyo. In addition, the New York market slightly leads the London market in its volatility. After the Euro monetary system crisis, the frequencies of both the volatility spillover effect from London to New York and mutual feedback phenomena have increased. Furthermore, the volatility spillover effects from both London and New York to Tokyo have been on the rise after the Asian financial debacle. Within the framework of the causality model, we find better forecasting performance in predicting G‐5 exchange rates across the three markets. It outperforms the traditional ARMA model in terms of both in‐ and out‐sample forecasting. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaporation model of Lake Qaroun as influenced by lake salinity1
Authors: Ali H. , Madramootoo C.A. , Abdel Gwad S.
Published: August 2002

A model for estimating monthly and annual evaporation of Lake Qaroun was developed using the energy budget concept. The evaporation is estimated from the amount of solar radiation, atmospheric long‐wave radiation, back radiation and evaporative energy. A modification is made to the energy equation to allow the calculation of evaporation from saline lakes by analyzing data from four evaporation pans with different salinities.

The model simulations were checked against evaporation rates measured by Mankarous WF (1979. Hydrology of Lake Qaroun. MSc thesis, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt). The monthly comparison shows that the model gives an acceptable accuracy with a relative error ranging from −12.4 to +12.9%. The model produces reliable results in terms of annual prediction with a maximum percent error of 3% and the minimum of −2.7%. The standard deviation of differences indicates that there is a good probability of obtaining simulated values within 0.8 mm (in May) to within 22.2 mm (in December) of measured values. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lining old irrigation canals: thoughts and trials1
Authors: Snell Michael
Published: August 2002

Many irrigation systems contain unlined canals which are losing water by seepage, resulting not only in reduced water for crops but also in waterlogging near the canals. In many cases, scheme operators wish to give these old canals waterproof linings. This paper discusses ideas for lining such existing canals, and some field trials that were conducted on mature sand‐bed canals in Pakistan between 1994 and 1999. It describes 9 basic lining types and some of the 20 variants that were tested, and assesses their merits in terms of ease of construction, watertightness, durability and cost. It also assesses further ideas that were developed but not tested. No single lining type could be recommended for all conditions. The use of geomembranes was found to be usually justified, and various ways of protecting them from people, traffic and animals were tested. Ways of avoiding the need for temporary diversions by lining a canal quickly, including the use of precast concrete, were included. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying the uncertainty about the half‐life of deviations from PPP
Authors: Kilian Lutz , Zha Tao
Published: August 2002

We propose a Bayesian framework in which the uncertainty about the half‐life of deviations from purchasing power parity can be quantified. Based on the responses to a survey study, we propose a prior probability distribution for the half‐life under the recent float intended to capture widely held views among economists. We derive the posterior probability distribution of the half‐life under this consensus prior and confirm the presence of substantial uncertainty about the half‐life. We provide for the first time a comprehensive formal evaluation of several nonnested hypotheses of economic interest, including Rogoff's (1996) claim that the half‐life is contained in the range of 3 to 5 years. We find that no hypothesis receives strong support from the data. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using R to teach econometrics
Authors: Racine Jeff , Hyndman Rob
Published: August 2002

R, an open‐source programming environment for data analysis and graphics, has in only a decade grown to become a de‐facto standard for statistical analysis against which many popular commercial programs may be measured. The use of R for the teaching of econometric methods is appealing. It provides cutting‐edge statistical methods which are, by R's open‐source nature, available immediately. The software is stable, available at no cost, and exists for a number of platforms, including various flavours of Unix and Linux, Windows (9x/NT/2000), and the MacOS. Manuals are also available for download at no cost, and there is extensive on‐line information for the novice user. This review focuses on using R for teaching econometrics. Since R is an extremely powerful environment, this review should also be of interest to researchers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MMA/MPEOMA/VSA copolymer as a novel blood‐compatible material: Effect of PEO and negatively charged side chains on protein adsorption and platelet adhesion
Authors: Lee Jin Ho , Oh Se Heang
Published: August 2002

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and negatively charged side chains on blood compatibility. For this, novel copolymers (MMA/MPEOMA/VSA copolymers) with both PEO and negatively chargeable side chains were synthesized by random copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), methoxy PEO monomethacrylate (MPEOMA; PEO mol wt 1000), and vinyl sulfonic acid sodium salt (VSA) monomers of different compositions. MMA/MPEOMA copolymer (with PEO side chains) and MMA/VSA copolymer (with negatively chargeable side groups) also were synthesized for purposes of comparison. The synthesized copolymers were characterized by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. They were coated onto polyurethane (PU) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films by spin coating. The surface properties of MMA/MPEOMA/VSA copolymers were compared by water contact angle and zeta potential with those of MMA/MPEOMA and MMA/VSA copolymers of similar MPEOMA or VSA composition. Using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and scanning electron microscopy, respectively, the behaviors of the adsorption of blood proteins (albumin, γ‐globulin, fibrinogen, and plasma proteins) and the adhesion of platelets on the copolymer‐coated surfaces also were compared. Among the copolymers, the MMA/MPEOMA/VSA copolymer with a monomer molar ratio 8:1:1 was observed to be particularly effective in preventing both protein adsorption and platelet adhesion on the surfaces, probably owing to the combined effects of highly mobile, hydrophilic PEO side chains and negatively charged side groups in aqueous solution. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 60: 44–52, 2002
Novel synthesis and characterization of an AB‐type carbonate‐substituted hydroxyapatite
Authors: Gibson Iain R. , Bonfield William
Published: August 2002

A novel synthesis route has been developed to produce a high‐purity mixed AB‐type carbonate‐substituted hydroxyapatite (CHA) with a carbonate content that is comparable to the type and level observed in bone mineral. This method involves the aqueous precipitation in the presence of carbonate ions in solution of a calcium phosphate apatite with a Ca/P molar ratio greater than the stoichiometric value of 1.67 for hydroxyapatite (HA). The resulting calcium‐rich carbonate–apatite is sintered/heat‐treated in a carbon dioxide atmosphere to produce a single‐phase, crystalline carbonate‐substituted hydroxyapatite. In contrast to previous methods for producing B‐ or AB‐type carbonate‐substituted hydroxyapatites, no sodium or ammonium ions, which would be present in the reaction mixture from the sodium or ammonium carbonates commonly used as a source of carbonate ions, were present in the final product. The chemical and phase compositions of the carbonate‐substituted hydroxyapatite was characterized by X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ray diffraction, respectively, and the level and nature of the carbonate substitution were studied using C‐H‐N analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The carbonate substitution improves the densification of hydroxyapatite and reduces the sintering temperature required to achieve near‐full density by approximately 200°C compared to stoichiometric HA. Initial studies have shown that these carbonate‐substituted hydroxyapatites have improved mechanical and biologic properties compared to stoichiometric hydroxyapatite. © 2001 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 59: 697–708, 2002
Mechanical and morphological study of biostable polyurethane heart valve leaflets explanted from sheep
Authors: Bernacca Gillian M. , Straub Ian , Wheatley David J.
Published: August 2002

Two novel biostable polyurethanes, designated EV3.34 and EV3.35, were used to manufacture a flexible trileaflet heart valve. The valves were implanted in the mitral position in young adult (18 month) sheep. Six valves were electively explanted at 6 months and the remaining six valves at 9 months follow‐up. The leaflet material was examined by surface Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (ATR/FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The leaflet material was also subjected to cyclic mechanical testing and, compared with unimplanted control material, to demonstrate any change in mechanical properties during implantation. There was no degradation of functional groups detected by ATR/FTIR, although there was a slight surface enrichment of siloxane soft segment. Surface morphology of the explanted leaflet material was similar to unimplanted control material. EV3.34 demonstrated similar inelastic energy loss behavior, with no significant change in residual strain in explanted compared with control material. EV3.35 demonstrated a reduction in inelastic energy and residual strain in explanted compared with control material. There is no evidence of biodegradation of these siloxane‐based polyurethanes, in functional valves up to 9 months implantation in sheep. The FTIR and SEM findings are supported by the retention of mechanical properties of the materials. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 61: 138–145, 2002
Effects of isoeugenol on oxidative stress pathways in normal and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Rauscher Frederick M. , Sanders Ruth A. , Watkins John B.
Published: August 2002

Because some complications of diabetes mellitus may result from oxidative damage, we investigated the effects of subacute treatment (10mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal [ip], for 14 days) with the antioxidant isoeugenol on the oxidant defense system in normal and 30‐day streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Sprague‐Dawley rats. Liver, kidney, brain, and heart were assayed for degree of lipid peroxidation, reduced and oxidized glutathione content, and activities of the free radical–detoxifying enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. All tissues from diabetic animals exhibited disturbances in antioxidant defense when compared with normal controls. Treatment with isoeugenol reversed diabetic effects on hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity and on oxidized glutathione concentration in brain. Treatment with the lipophilic compound isoeugenol also decreased lipid peroxidation in both liver and heart of normal animals and decreased hepatic oxidized glutathione content in both normal and diabetic rats. Some effects of isoeugenol treatment, such as decreased activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase in diabetic rats, were unrelated to the oxidative effects of diabetes. In heart of diabetic animals, isoeugenol treatment resulted in an exacerbation of already elevated activities of catalase. These results indicate that isoeugenol therapy may not reverse diabetic oxidative stress in an overall sense. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 15:159–164, 2001
Relative effects of VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C on endothelial cell proliferation, migration and PAF synthesis: Role of neuropilin‐1
Authors: Bernatchez Pascal N. , Rollin Simon , Soker Shay , Sirois Martin G.
Published: August 2002

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF‐A) is an inducer of endothelial cell (EC) proliferation, migration, and synthesis of inflammatory agents such as platelet‐activating factor (PAF). Recently, neuropilin‐1 (NRP‐1) has been described as a coreceptor of KDR which potentiates VEGF‐A activity. However, the role of NRP‐1 in numerous VEGF‐A activities remains unclear. To assess the contribution of NRP‐1 to VEGF‐A mediated EC proliferation, migration, and PAF synthesis, we used porcine aortic EC (PAEC) recombinantly expressing Flt‐1, NRP‐1, KDR or KDR and NRP‐1. Cells were stimulated with VEGF‐A, which binds to Flt‐1, KDR and NRP‐1, and VEGF‐C, which binds to KDR only. VEGF‐A was 12.4‐fold more potent than VEGF‐C in inducing KDR phosphorylation in PAEC‐KDR. VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C showed similar potency to mediate PAEC‐KDR proliferation, migration, and PAF synthesis. On PAEC‐KDR/NRP‐1, VEGF‐A was 28.6‐fold more potent than VEGF‐C in inducing KDR phosphorylation and PAEC‐KDR/NRP‐1 proliferation (1.3‐fold), migration (1.7‐fold), and PAF synthesis (4.6‐fold). These results suggest that cooperative binding of VEGF‐A to KDR and NRP‐1 enhances KDR phosphorylation and its biological activities. Similar results were obtained with bovine aortic EC that endogenously express both KDR and NRP‐1 receptors. In contrast, stimulation of PAEC‐Flt‐1 and PAEC‐NRP‐1 with VEGF‐A or VEGF‐C did not induce proliferation, migration, or PAF synthesis. In conclusion, the presence of NRP‐1 on EC preferentially increases KDR activation by VEGF‐A as well as KDR‐mediated biological activities, and may elicit novel intracellular events. On the other hand, VEGF‐A and VEGF‐C have equipotent biological activities on EC in absence of NRP‐1. J. Cell. Biochem. 85: 629–639, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specificity of SAF‐A and lamin B binding in vitro correlates with the satellite DNA bending state
Authors: Lobov Ivan B. , Tsutsui Ken , Mitchell Arthur R. , Podgornaya Olga I.
Published: August 2002

There is evidence that Matrix Attachment Region (MAR)‐binding proteins also bind satellite DNA (satDNA). The aim of the current work was to determine whether the major nuclear matrix (NM) MAR‐binding proteins are able to recognize satDNAs of different locations and what DNA structural features are important for the recognition. In nuclei and NM, a number of the same polypeptides were recognized on a southwestern blot when MAR of immunoglobulin κ gene (Ig κ MAR) and pericentromeric (periCEN) satDNA fragments were used. However, the binding decreased dramatically when human and mouse CEN satDNA were used for the probes. After an NM extract was subjected to ion exchange chromatography, the main DNA‐binding proteins were identified as SAF‐A (scaffold attachment factor A) and lamin B. It was not possible to test the binding of lamin B by gel mobility shift assay (GMSA), but SAF‐A showed an ability to distinguish CEN and periCEN satDNA fragments in GMSA. While periCEN fragments have an abnormally slow mobility on electrophoresis, which is a hallmark of bent DNA, CEN satDNA fragments have a normal mobility. A computer analysis was done using the wedge model (Ulanovsky and Trifonov [1987] Nature 326:720–722), which describes how the curved state depends on particular nucleotide sequences. The curved states of the fragments predicted by the model are in good agreement with their ability to be recognized by NM proteins. Thus SAF‐A and lamin B are able to recognize conserved structural features of satDNA in the same way that MAR‐binding proteins recognize MARs in spite of a lack of a consensus sequence. CEN and periCEN satDNAs are distinguished by proteins in correlation with the helical curvature of these fragments. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 218–229, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spin densities in two‐component relativistic density functional calculations: Noncollinear versus collinear approach
Authors: Van Wüllen Christoph
Published: August 2002

With present day exchange‐correlation functionals, accurate results in nonrelativistic open shell density functional calculations can only be obtained if one uses functionals that do not only depend on the electron density but also on the spin density. We consider the common case where such functionals are applied in relativistic density functional calculations. In scalar‐relativistic calculations, the spin density can be defined conventionally, but if spin‐orbit coupling is taken into account, spin is no longer a good quantum number and it is not clear what the “spin density” is. In many applications, a fixed quantization axis is used to define the spin density (“collinear approach”), but one can also use the length of the local spin magnetization vector without any reference to an external axis (“noncollinear approach”). These two possibilities are compared in this work both by formal analysis and numerical experiments. It is shown that the (nonrelativistic) exchange‐correlation functional should be invariant with respect to rotations in spin space, and this only holds for the noncollinear approach. Total energies of open shell species are higher in the collinear approach because less exchange energy is assigned to a given Kohn‐Sham reference function. More importantly, the collinear approach breaks rotational symmetry, that is, in molecular calculations one may find different energies for different orientations of the molecule. Data for the first ionization potentials of Tl, Pb, element 113, and element 114, and for the orientation dependence of the total energy of I and PbF indicate that the error introduced by the collinear approximation is ∼0.1 eV for valence ionization potentials, but can be much larger if highly ionized open shell states are considered. Rotational invariance is broken by the same amount. This clearly indicates that the collinear approach should not be used, as the full treatment is easily implemented and does not introduce much more computational effort. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 779–785, 2002
Rapid screening assay of congenital adrenal hyperplasia by measuring 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone with high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry from dried blood spots
Authors: Lai Chien‐Chen , Tsai Chang‐Hai , Tsai Fuu‐Jen , Wu Jer‐Yuarn , Lin Wei‐De , Lee Cheng‐Chun
Published: August 2002

A rapid, simple, and specific method was developed for the diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) from dried blood spots on newborn screening cards based on high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐MS/MS). The usefulness of 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17OH‐P) determination on dried filter‐paper blood samples from patients with CAH caused by 21‐hydroxylase deficiency was evaluated. The LC/MS/MS detection of 17OH‐P was rapid, <4 min. The intra‐ and interday accuracy and precision of the method were <7%. Our procedure maintained good linearities (R2 > 0.992) and recovery rate (>83%). We used this new method to directly determine the 17OH‐P levels in dried blood specimens from abnormal children of various ages, with a detection limit of 20 ng/ml (∼240 pg), to avoid the time‐consuming derivatization steps required by the gas‐chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method. Four dried filter‐paper blood samples of CAH patients (three girls and one boy, 1–14 years old) were all quantified in an LC/MS/MS study and revealed high 17OH‐P levels (>90 ng/ml). After treatment, all of the elevated 17OH‐P levels either decreased or disappeared. Compared with CAH patients, 17OH‐P was nearly undetectable (<20 ng/ml) in the normal infants by LC/MS/MS. This LC/MS/MS assay is not only useful for both diagnosis and monitoring of treatment of CAH in all other age groups, it also can be used as a screening test for CAH infants. In this study, we provided the first data on 17OH‐P in dried blood specimens affected with CAH using HPLC/ESI‐MS/MS. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:20–25, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conceptual and ethical issues in therapy for the psychological problems of gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals
Authors: Davison Gerald C.
Published: August 2002

Reviewed here are a number of conceptual and ethical issues surrounding the study and treatment of gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals (GLB), with particular emphasis on the frequently overlooked political and ethical dimensions of what therapists choose to treat, indeed, on the goals patients themselves want to work towards. Several issues are discussed, including the relevance and irrelevance of sexual orientation and the role of therapist biases in assessment and treatment planning, the need for better understanding of how the problems of GLB patients are construed and the associated dangers of stereotyping, the challenges of coming out and the ways therapists can help patients make the decision and how to implement it, the extra effort required to be a GLB person in terms of the formation of an unconventional social and sexual identity, the trust issues that can arise when one partner in a committed relationship requests protected sex, the challenges and rewards of parents “coming out” as family members of a gay son or daughter, the social invisibility of lesbians and the deleterious effects this can have on them, social support issues for GLB youth, and the need for professionals to take a broad, institutional community psychology perspective to their study and treatment of GLB individuals. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session 57: 695–704, 2001.